Lean Mini Course

Introduce Yourself to Lean

In 2017 we launched Lean Smarts with some fun and free lean training videos… starting with this mini-course! In five modules, we introduce you to major lean manufacturing tools and concepts.

Mini course also contains our #1 most viewed lean video on YouTube: our one-piece flow paper airplane simulation. If you haven’t seen it yet, you’re in for a treat!

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Module 1: Introduction to Lean

In this video you will get a first introduction to lean. Before you’re through you’ll understand each of the following:

  • What is lean?
  • How to define value
  • How to define waste
  • The history of lean

Module 2: Introduction to Lean

In this module we’ll explain just how lean works. We’ll not only teach you the concepts, but also show you with a real manufacturing process improvement as we take batch production to one piece flow. You’ll learn each of the following:

  • A 5 step process for applying lean to any organization
  • The concept of “flow”
  • The effects of batch size on flow
  • Simple process improvement

Module 3: The Tools of Lean

The third video overviews 10 of the most popular and common lean tools. We’ll review each of the following:

  • Value Stream Mapping
  • Total Productive Maintenance
  • Standard Work
  • Single Minute Exchange of Dies (SMED)
  • Kanban
  • Kaizen Events
  • Heijunka
  • Cellular Manufacturing
  • The 8 Wastes
  • 5S

Module 4: The Culture of Lean

Establishing a new culture is essential to practicing lean. This video goes a bit deeper into what lean is all about. Before we’re through you’ll understand each of the following:

  • Respect for People
  • A tip for establishing culture
  • Managing a culture

Module 5: Implementing Lean

After four modules of becoming familiar with Lean, it’s time to talk about how to begin. This video is all about lean implementation. We’re overview each of the following:

  • The first tools most commonly implemented
  • How to start small and build rapidly
  • Whether to appoint a lean leader
  • Resources to help you on your journey

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Access all our courses with your subscription to the Lean Smarts Academy.

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Included in this Course

5 Videos

Each of the videos are 15-20 minutes long and filmed like a classroom lecture.

Certificate of Completion

A certificate is awarded upon completing the course.

Deliver Training on Your Terms

On the shop floor

Play videos in daily stand up meetings. Reinforce lean behaviors for weeks and months to come!

In your next workshop

Use the course as a complete kaizen curriculum in your next training class or workshop. Train management. Train associates. And even kick-off kaizen events.

At any computer

Assign training to be completed at the learner’s own workstation or desk. Any device with an internet connection will work (phones and tablets included)!

For each new hire

Accelerate new hire comprehension with targeted lean training! Ensure that lean behaviors are taught for years to come.

In your next kaizen event

Prepare participants in your next kaizen event with effective lean knowledge. Make sure they hit the ground running… and in the right direction!

Join the Lean Smarts Academy

Access all our courses with your subscription to the Lean Smarts Academy.

Start a Free Trial