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What is the best lean training system?
After many years of experience as a lean consultant, I have developed a pragmatic approach towards implementing lean principles. This is why I designed and developed the “10 Steps to become a Lean Enterprise” model. I did this because I wanted to eliminate the confusion that every organization goes through when they are starting to think about implementing a lean program. My 10 Step model demonstrates how any company can improve their business practices by implementing their own lean system. If an organization follows my 10 Step model, I guarantee they will see process improvements. There are lean training courses that cover three business fields:
I am consistently asked to give my opinion about the best method for training employees about Lean Principles. I usually answer these types of training questions with another question, which is “What is your goal?” It sounds like I am avoiding the question but the fact is, it really does depend on the desired outcome. It is very important to ask some additional questions such as:
- What are your trying to achieve by implementing lean principles?
- Which employees are going to receive lean training?
- What level of lean training does each person need to participate in the process?
- How much time do you have to implement a lean system?
- How much money do you have to commit towards implementing the lean program?
There are many more questions but these give you an idea of how I approach the process. Let me try to explain what I mean by using the following examples:
Example #1: An executive management team is considering implementing a lean program into their manufacturing business. What kind of information do they need? What type of training do they need? Do they need to become Lean experts? No, they need to develop an awareness of Lean principles and be able to understand how it will impact their business systems. Therefore, the type of Lean training for executives must be able to accommodate their specific needs. Using the “10 Steps to become a Lean Enterprise” model they will need to complete the Level 1 – Lean Awareness training course. If they are planning to participate in Kaizen or Rapid Improvement Events, they should also complete the Level 2 – Lean Practitioner training course
Example #2: The supervisors at the same manufacturing company want to understand how to apply Lean Principles and learn how to facilitate Kaizen or Rapid Improvement Events in their own work area. Do they need the same type of Lean training as the executive management team? No, they need a more in depth level of Lean training. They need to become Lean Experts because they are working at a level where they are experiencing the effects of waste on a day to day basis. They need to know how to teach and support their employees to identify waste and eliminate it. Their training should be focused on using Problem Solving tools and techniques. Using the “10 Steps to become a Lean Enterprise” model they will need to complete the Level 1 – Lean Awareness, and Level 2 – Lean Practitioner training courses to give them a solid foundation of lean knowledge. Many supervisors and line managers will need to also complete the Level 3 – Lean Expert, which is our advanced lean training course. This will help them to become mentors and to support their employees through their lean training process.
Example #3: The non-management employees at the same manufacturing company want to receive lean training so they can participate in Kaizen or Rapid Improvement Events. They need to understand lean principles and how to apply some specific tools to empower them to improve their own workplace. Using the “10 Steps to become a Lean Enterprise” model they will need to complete the Level 1 – Lean Awareness, and Level 2 – Lean Practitioner training courses to give them a solid foundation of lean knowledge. Certain key employees may be considered to go onto complete the Level 3 – Lean Expert, which is our advanced lean training course. This will help them to become lean facilitators and mentors.
These three examples clearly demonstrate that a different training curriculum is needed for each group. The best system is to implement a modular lean curriculum, which delivers the right training based on the needs of the employees. Many organizations are using the 10 Steps to become a Lean Enterprise” process and it has helped them to clearly define their specific training levels such as:
- Level 1 Lean Awareness – Basic – an overview of lean principles
- Level 2 Lean Practitioner - Intermediate – an introduction to the application of lean principles and tools
- Level 3 Lean Expert - Advanced – an in depth study of the application and integration of lean tools
To read about any of the lean self-paced online training courses for a specific business type, click on any of the links provided throughout this page. Don’t forget to subscribe to get access to our free lean training materials.
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