Who is considered the Father of the Toyota Production System or lean manufacturing?

Taiichi Ohno is regarded as the Father of the Toyota Production System and lean manufacturing because he played a pivotal role in its development and implementation during his time at Toyota. Ohno focused on eliminating waste and improving efficiency in production processes, which laid the foundation for lean principles. His emphasis on continuous improvement (kaizen) and value stream mapping transformed how manufacturing operated, moving away from mass production to a more flexible and responsive system.

Ohno's methodologies, such as Just-in-Time production, helped Toyota achieve higher quality and lower costs, which became the hallmark of the Toyota Production System. His influence extends beyond Toyota, impacting manufacturing industries worldwide, making him a key figure in the introduction and practice of lean manufacturing principles.