Focused Excellence is not just a practical, straight-to-the-point, and inviting book for practitioners, it is a handy "toolbox" that focuses on the most common methodologies we need to face when resolving operational problems or looking to improve the business. It is a book for real-life scenarios, selecting the right tools and have a deep understanding of the lean transformation applications without the dry statistical jargon that confuses and shocks most people. Whether the practitioner has many years of experience or just starting in operations management or in his lean transformation journey, there is a great deal in this book to learn and practice. In addition, Focused Excellence includes the most used improvement tool templates that are available on-line; anyone can apply the lean methods effortlessly and save valuable time; However, the templates are just the beginning; to maximize your learning, dive deeper with the over 160 complementary real-life cases, videos, lean games, presentations and the practical one-page "Smart Mind" summary for every topic, is like having a handy Swiss knife in your pocket. Edgar Anaya has over 20 years' experience in operations management in manufacturing and in the service industry. He has worked with small and mid-size companies to equip them with the training, tools and methodologies to turn their operational strategies into implemented operational plans that yield business results. He is a certified Lean Expert, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and Quality Technology. He has his bachelor's degree in Food Engineering and an MBA degree with a major in Supply Chain Management. He has always been a hands-on servant leader and has led dozens of lean six sigma and continuous improvement projects across organizations in the areas of production, quality, materials management, retail service and product management. His key insight: "We can only learn by doing and create change management with a strategic gradual evolution, not revolutions."