Exploring Lean Manufacturing Basics

(3-Hr, in-person, Altoona, PA)

IMC’s Exploring Lean Manufacturing Basics, a 3-hour introductory program, provides participants with a foundational understanding of Lean Manufacturing. Participants will explore the basic concepts behind Lean thinking and how it supports efficiency, teamwork, and continuous improvement in a manufacturing environment. The program is designed to help employees become familiar with the key principles, terminology, and workplace practices of a Lean culture. No prior Lean experience is needed, just curiosity and a willingness to learn how your role fits into the bigger picture of improving processes and reducing waste.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the basic principles of Lean Manufacturing and describe how they support an efficient and productive workplace.
• Discover the importance of minimizing waste and being mindful of how everyday actions impact workflow and efficiency.
• Understand common Lean concepts and terminology used in manufacturing environments.

Course Outline:

• Introduction to Lean Manufacturing
  • Definition, origin and impact
  • Continuous Improvement: Kaizen and Kata
• Principles of Lean Manufacturing
  • Understanding value from the customer’s perspective
  • Systems and process thinking
  • Improving Flow
  • Eliminating Waste
• Lean Tools and Techniques
  • Lean Production
    • Improving Workflow
    • Mapping Processes
  • Reducing Waste
    • The 8 Wastes of Lean
    • Organization of Work and Workstations
  • Identifying and Solving Problems
    • Root Cause Analysis
    • Plan-Do-Check-Act Cycle
    • 5 Whys
• Definitions of Common Lean Terms
• Q&A and Wrap-up

Exploring Lean Manufacturing Basics Outline

Why Attend?

• Build confidence on the shop floor by understanding Lean Manufacturing principles and how they impact your daily work.
• Become a Lean/CI Rock Star when you learn tools and techniques that help you communicate better with continuous improvement leaders.
• Using newly learned terminology, you’ll become a highly valued communicator who is more visible and respected by both leaders and peers.
• Become a self-assured champion for team discussion when you use real-world examples, not textbook lingo, when communicating with your peers.

Who Should Attend:

Ideal for anyone in manufacturing looking to boost efficiency and reduce waste. Perfect for: production operators, team leads, quality staff, maintenance, engineers, materials/inventory personnel, administrative support, and new hires. No Lean experience required—just a desire to improve processes.