Apparent in Hindsight

by Vector Consulting Group

The book delves deep into the chronic problems faced by almost all companies in the Indian automotive industry. It closely examines and challenges the fundamental assumptions that have held firm since time immemorial and guided the management of these companies in procurement, operations, distribution and sales. The book is also a commentary on the cathartic state of much haloed improvement techniques being employed by companies for decades - large and small alike, with little improvement to show for the humungous efforts being put in. What it also presents is the only practical way to improving the state of affairs of such companies, which is extremely powerful because it is very simple. Presented as a story of two key managers of a company - the narrative follows their personal and professional struggles as they deal with conflicts and contradictions that life is presenting to them and their attempts to surmount their problems. Do they redeem themselves or sink? Testimonials "This book is a must read for all auto professionals. We are in the process of transforming the spare parts systems for commercial vehicles business using the concepts highlighted in the book". ---Sanjeev Garg, Vice President & Global Head, Customer Care, Commercial Vehicles RU, TATA Motors "The philosophy given in the book has not only changed my organization but also my personal life." ---Niranjan Kirloskar, Managing Director, Fleetguard Filters Pvt Ltd, Cummins Group "The principles given in this book are fundamental paradigm changes from the way industry operates, but at the same time they are very practical. We have implemented these principles in our entire operations & supply chain and achieved significant results". ----Mr Nihal Kulkarni, Managing Director, Kirloskar Oil Engines Ltd "Finally a practical method to resolve the disharmony between production and sales". ---Nagaraja Srirama, President & Director, J. K.Fenner (India) Ltd

288 pages, Hardcover

Reviews

[Ankit Agrawal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspired by and hence written in the story-based narrative style of Eli Goldratt's "The Goal", the book by the Vector Consulting Group presents issues faced by auto component firms and proposes a solution based on the company's understanding of the Theory of Constraints. The presentation is enjoyable and engaging and lays out quite clearly Vector's prescription to the ills plaguing the industry. Having had auto comp firms as clients both in the past and the present as a banker/investor, it was a must-read for me. Blessed with rather limited knowledge of Operations Management Theory, I'm not competent enough to judge whether their case is sound enough. The website though claims that they work with many top auto comp firms as well as those in the textile/apparel, consumer goods and engineering space and lays out some more material and case studies for further reading. The group does have name recognition in investing circles as I have discovered recently at my company.

[Shraddha Amritkar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book thoroughly. I wish Vector consulting brought up more such books.

[Kenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book perfectly highlights the problems being faced by most of the auto components manufacturers that are supplying the material to OEMs and after market. It uses some of the real life analogies to explain in very simple words, the logic of the changes that are required.

The book also highlights why many companies have failed in their efforts to implement JIT, Lean and TPM even after committing a lot of resources and trying multiple times. Finally it underscores the challenges that are involved in changing the deep ingrained paradigms of a large company.

[Vivek Jain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book..
Book is about a sales head and production head who are onto the path of discovering the right way of managing their operations.
The problems captured are common across the manufacturing and distribution industry. The solutions are very well co- related with the day to day examples. Chapter on change management is extremely well written..i got good insights about how we can drive the change in our company. However, few insights can be elaborated further.. Overall a great book to read...