The Fundamentals Of Lean

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Course Overview

The Fundamentals of Lean course introduces the core principles required to improve process efficiency and deliver greater customer value. It provides a structured understanding of how work flows through processes and how inefficiencies can be identified and addressed.
Designed as a practical, entry-level program, the course builds the ability to think in terms of value, flow, and demand, enabling participants to contribute to process improvement efforts and support operational excellence initiatives.
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Learning Objectives

By completing this course, you will be able to:
  • Identify inefficiencies and waste within everyday work processes
  • Analyze how work flows across processes to uncover improvement opportunities
  • Evaluate current processes to determine gaps in efficiency and performance
  • Conceptualize improved process designs that enhance flow and responsiveness
  • Apply structured thinking to reduce errors and improve process reliability
  • Contribute effectively to Lean improvement initiatives within their teams
  • Align process improvements with customer value and operational goals

Who should attend

This course is ideal for: 
  • Professionals new to Lean or process improvement concepts
  • Team members involved in operational or service delivery processes
  • Individuals seeking to understand how to improve efficiency and reduce waste
  • Employees across functions looking to enhance process awareness
  • Organizations aiming to build foundational Lean capability across teams

Curriculum Highlights

The course consists of 6 structured modules, supported by quizzes and exercises:

01

Introduction to Lean

Appropriate for all levels of the organization, this introductory course provides a high-level, interactive overview of the fundamental concepts of Lean. Approaching the topic from both a practical and a historical perspective, the course introduces Lean’s central tenet – the elimination of waste and the identification of value-added activities. Students will also learn how the origins of Lean influenced other key concepts including value, flow and pull.

02

Current State Value Stream Maps

This course explains a primary Lean concept, value stream mapping, and its role in identifying waste in and between processes. The course explores the aspects of a value stream -- all actions and process steps, both value-add and non-value-add -- required to create a product or service. Concepts such as SIPOC, top down flow chart, process flow mapping, and RBWA are discussed in the 8-step process to creating a value stream map. The course requires an understanding of process flow mapping.

03

Future State Value Stream Maps

This module explains the concept of a "Future State" Value Stream Map. It discusses how to design the Future, or Ideal, State of a process using Lead Time, Cycle Time, and Takt Time. It also describes methods to achieve the Future State, including Spaghetti Diagrams, Cellular Layout, 5S, and Visual Controls.

04

Flow

This module introduces the concept of Flow, which is the balancing of internal resources to meet external demand. Topics include Takt Time, Cycle Time, Lead Time, Work Flow Balance, Standard Work and Cellular Design.

05

Pull

This module defines the Lean concept of Pull, and how to build a Pull system to regulate the flow of production. As part of the discussion, it covers how to calculate lead time and work-in-process, Little's Law, and Kanban.

06

Mistake-Proofing

Mistake proofing is based on the concept that errors can be avoided if the appropriate mistake proofing techniques are used. This module reviews the techniques that can be used to mistake proof a process as well as the eight behaviors that lead to mistakes. This module also compares mistake proofing to the common types of control methods.

Certification

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  •  Course Completion Certificate

    Awarded upon successful completion of all modules, quizzes, and exercises
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Why BMGI?

BMGI is a global leader in process improvement and Lean Six Sigma capability building. Trusted by organizations worldwide. BMGI combines consulting expertise with practical training to help professionals understand processes deeply and drive meaningful, sustainable improvement. 

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