The Shingo Prize for Operational Excellence is named after the Japanese industrial engineer Shigeo Shingo, who distinguished himself as one of the world’s leading experts in improving manufacturing processes.

Dr. Shingo has been described as an “engineering genius” who helped create and write about many aspects of the revolutionary manufacturing practices which comprise the renowned Toyota Production System.

The Prize was established in 1988 to promote awareness of Lean manufacturing concepts and recognize companies in the United States, Canada, and Mexico that achieve world-class manufacturing status. The Shingo Prize philosophy is that world-class business performance may be achieved through focused improvements in core manufacturing and business processes.

The Shingo Prize recognises organisations and research that is consistent with its mission and model with three types of prizes:

• Business Prize—promotes use of world-class manufacturing strategies and practices to achieve world-class results.
• Research Prize—promotes research and writing regarding new knowledge and understanding of manufacturing processes.
• Public Sector Prize - promotes use of world-class manufacturing strategies and practices to achieve world-class results in the public sector/government owned facilities (i.e. Maintenance and Overhaul Depots, US Mint, etc.).

Recipients of the Business, Research, and Public Sector Prize are honored at the Shingo Prize Annual Conference and the Shingo Prize Public Sector Conference.

The Shingo Prize is directed by the Board of Governors who are leading representatives of businesses, professional organizations, and academic institutions. A dedicated management team oversees day-to-day operations while promotional support is provided by non-profit sponsors. Individuals who have distinguished themselves in the area of operational excellence are able to serve as promotional ambassadors through the Shingo Prize Academy.