Lean_AI: A Humanistic Integration of Lean and AI Receives the Shingo Publication Award
June 23, 2026 – the Shingo Institute
Lean‑AI: A Humanistic Integration of Lean and AI Awarded the Shingo Publication Award
LOGAN, Utah—June 23, 2026—The Shingo Institute, part of the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University, is proud to announce that Lean‑AI: A Humanistic Integration of Lean and AI by Adil Dalal and Elizabeth A. Cudney has been awarded the Shingo Publication Award. This distinguished honor recognizes exceptional works that advance the global understanding and application of the principles of organizational excellence.
Lean‑AI explores the convergence of Lean methodologies and artificial intelligence at a pivotal moment in the evolution of operational excellence. As organizations navigate an increasingly complex and technology-driven environment, Dalal and Cudney present a compelling vision for integrating AI into Lean systems in a way that enhances, rather than replaces, human capability.
Through a thoughtful combination of real-world case studies, practical frameworks, and forward-looking insights, Lean‑AI demonstrates how organizations can leverage AI to accelerate continuous improvement while preserving the human-centered values at the heart of Lean. The authors provide actionable guidance on integrating AI with established Lean tools, such as value stream mapping, total productive maintenance, and poka-yoke, offering a roadmap for building more agile, intelligent, and adaptive systems.
More than a technical resource, Lean‑AI challenges traditional thinking about leadership, culture, and the future of work. By emphasizing the importance of aligning technological advancement with principle-based behaviors, the authors reinforce the idea that sustainable transformation depends not only on innovative tools but on the development of the people and systems that enable them to thrive.
“Lean‑AI does an excellent job of describing the Shingo Model, the role of humans in the improvement process, and how technologies can help humans achieve improvement,” said Ken Snyder, Executive Director of the Shingo Institute. “The book tackles what will likely be the most transformative technology of all by setting the proper context of purposeful implementation of AI as led by humans. It demonstrates how purposeful adoption of technology can reduce waste, reduce defects, shorten lead times, and improve productivity.”
The transformative lessons within these pages have resonated deeply with readers across the Lean community:
“Lean-AI, authored by Dr. Adil Dalal and Dr. Elizabeth Cudney, marks a significant advancement in the conversation surrounding digital-era operational excellence. This book establishes a robust framework that integrates artificial intelligence with traditional Lean methodologies, effectively addressing the complexities present in modern manufacturing and management. It is essential reading for both scholars and practitioners who are focused on the human-technology synergies that are shaping Industry 5.0.”
—Professor Jiju Antony Vice President of Research, International Academy for Quality
“The Age of AI demands a new approach to leadership, one that balances business value with human values. Dr. Adil Dalal and Dr. Elizabeth Cudney's Lean-AI delivers exactly that, showing business strategists and operational executives how to bring Lean and AI together to drive next-level productivity while humanizing the workplace. Rather than fearing AI's impact, readers will discover how it becomes the perfect digital companion for workers, enhancing their roles and improving day-to-day workflows. This is required reading for anyone serious about achieving operational excellence in an AI-driven world.”
—Anupam Govil Founder & Chief AI Evangelist, Austin AI Valley | Managing Partner, Avasant
“In my 34 years at CRC Press, working with over 5,000 publications, I've had the privilege of collaborating with some of the world's finest authors. Dr. Adil Dalal and Dr. Elizabeth Cudney's Lean-AI: A Humanistic Approach to Integrating Lean and AI truly stands out to me as a state-of-the-art contribution to the field. Their exceptional diligence, intelligence, and commitment to advancing both science and practice are evident throughout. This is exactly the kind of work I believe defines the future of industrial engineering and operational excellence. I'm very proud that this book has won the Shingo Publication Award.”
—Cindy Renee Carelli, Publisher, Engineering | CRC Press / Taylor &
Francis Group
The Shingo Publication Award, one of the most respected honors in the field of organizational excellence, recognizes works that expand how leaders think about and apply the principles that drive sustainable results. Lean‑AI: A Humanistic Integration of Lean and AI reflects this distinction. By bridging advanced technology with principle-based practice, Dalal and Cudney offer a forward-looking perspective on how organizations can integrate AI in ways that strengthen capability, elevate performance, and preserve the human dimension at the core of continuous improvement.
The authors will be formally presented with the award at the Shingo Connect LATAM Awards Gala on September 30, 2026 in Miraflores, Lima, Peru. Shingo Connect includes workshops, site tours, keynotes, and sessions focused on achieving organizational excellence. Learn more at shingo.org/events. To purchase a copy of Lean‑AI: A Humanistic Integration of Lean and AI or other Shingo publications, visit https://shingo.org/books.
About the Authors
Adil Dalal, DBA, is the CEO of Pinnacle Process Solutions, Intl., and a globally recognized C-suite leader, consultant, and keynote speaker in operational excellence and organizational transformation. With over 25 years of experience, he has led large-scale transformations across Fortune 500 organizations in over 25 industries across 5 continents, helping organizations enhance performance, strengthen culture, and achieve sustainable results. An award-winning author and member of the Forbes Executive Coaching Council, and a winner of 21 international awards, Dr. Dalal is known for his work at the intersection of leadership, Lean, and emerging technologies. He has trained thousands of professionals worldwide, delivered over 100 keynotes, and is widely recognized for advancing human-centered approaches to innovation and continuous improvement.
Elizabeth A. Cudney, Ph.D., is a Professor of Data Analytics at Maryville University and President of Cudney Consulting Group, LLC. An internationally recognized expert in Lean Six Sigma, quality systems, and data analytics, she brings more than 30 years of experience across industry and academia. Dr. Cudney has published extensively, including multiple books and more than 150 peer-reviewed journal articles, and is widely known for advancing the integration of data-driven methods with continuous improvement practices. A certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, she is also a Fellow of ASQ, IISE, and ASEM and has received numerous international honors recognizing her contributions to quality and operational excellence.
About the Shingo Institute
The Shingo Institute is home to the Shingo Prize, an award recognizing organizations that demonstrate an exceptional culture fostering continuous improvement. Part of the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University, the Shingo Institute is named after Japanese industrial engineer and Toyota adviser Shigeo Shingo, one of the world's thought leaders in the Toyota Production System.
Drawing from Dr. Shingo’s teachings and years of experience working with organizations worldwide, the Shingo Institute developed the Shingo Model, the basis for its various educational offerings, including workshops, study tours, and conferences. Workshops are available in multiple languages through the Institute's Licensed Affiliates. For more information on workshops and affiliates or to register to attend an event, please visit https://shingo.org.
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