Lean is a systematic approach to identifying and eliminating waste or non-value-added activities in a supply chain through continuous improvement with the goal of creating maximum value.

Lean thinking has existed for over 40 years within major multinational operations worldwide. It started in the 1960s in Japan with the development of the Toyota Production System (TPS), and was quickly established as a method for highly effective production of automobiles and related engineered components.

Lean has subsequently spread to pharmaceutical, aerospace, medical parts, electronics, and a host of related industries. It is now an established fundamental approach for world-class manufacture, distribution, and service sectors.

The strategy for many multinationals continues to be the relocation to tax favorable countries across the world. This means more extensive and complex distribution and logistics challenges. Therefore, there is a clear need to be as lean throughout the extended supply and delivery chain as possible. There is a compelling case for all of these links to work in as efficient and lean a manner as possible in order to deliver the finished product on time and within budget, and to avoid costly delays or errors within the processes.

The Institute of Industrial Engineers, in conjunction with The Leading Edge Group, International Universities, Lean Practitioners and international organizations in engineering and supply chain management, have announced a new standard for Lean Certificates.

Professionals who complete the Online Lean Supply Chain Management program and pass the online exam will receive a certificate conferred by the Institute of Industrial Engineers. This online Lean program is internationally recognized as a Lean certification program.

This is a 9-module On-line Certificate Program that provides participants with a comprehensive overview of Lean Thinking and its application. The program also outlines and demonstrates the essential lean tools and practices that can be applied to your business in order to achieve significant savings to your bottom line.

Features of Lean Supply Chain Management Certificate:

• Certified by the Institute of Industrial Engineers
• Structured study program (12 weeks) designed by Senior Instructional Designers and Lean Experts
• In-depth lessons in Lean available to the student
• Phone/email contact with a 'Leading Edge Group' Lean Mentor throughout the study period
• On-line forum available to discuss Lean Supply Chain Management issues with fellow learners and Lean Experts
• Articles to complement lessons summarized by our Lean Practitioners and provided to students
• Free access to relevant case studies to reinforce learning provided

Lean Supply Chain Management Certificate: Program Outline:

Lean Supply Chain Management Certificate: Lesson Breakdown

The Certificate incorporates three work assignments that represent 15% of the final grade.

How/Where to Study for Online Lean Supply Chain Management

Distance Learning Study

1. The Lean Certificate is now available on-line.
2. Companies and individual registrants purchase the 12-week Lean SCM from clicking on the "register now" section.
3. Students are given a unique username and password to access the program and lessons online.
4. Students are sent a structured program - lessons will be released to the students weekly so that their learning is monitored and focused.
5. Online mentors are available to support students and answer their questions.
6. Case Studies are reviewed.
7. Mock Examinations are submitted and reviewed.

Company In-house Study

Company Benefits

• Tie together Lean concepts and techniques, which help you avoid 'cherry picking'
• Learn the 'best in class' approach to successful Lean implementation
• Learn how to use some of the core Lean tools
• Learn how to uncover wasteful activities in your organization
• Equip participants to deliver waste reduction and response time improvements
• Develop a common language for your supply chain processes

Student Benefits

• Support and certification provided by the Institute of Industrial Engineers (IIE)
• Enables individuals to become more rofessional and productive
• Increased technical and functional knowledge
• Enhanced reputation with employers and customers
• Demonstrated levels of professional expertise and skill

"We are currently putting over 12 of our professional staff through the CLSM to gain increased. technical and functional knowledge and to further enhance our reputation with our customers, suppliers, and the corporation at large"
Joe Dore, HR Manager, Stryker Orthopaedics

"I have found the Certification in Lean Supply Chain Management extremely beneficial. The principles of each module are clearly identified. The reviews, summaries, exams, and assignments ensure that you have grasped and understood the philosophy and tools of Lean Thinking, and know when to implement them. All in all, a very worthwhile education"
Pat Regan, Lean Co-Ordinator, Reagecon Alkem

"Initially, two of us decided to do the LeanSCM Certification Program just to update our knowledge and get a shared understanding of a single "flavor" of Lean. The real surprise came when we carried out some trial Value Stream Mapping exercises on our own processes, and we became aware of the scale of improvement potential, particularly in relation to our business processes. Lean is a lot more than just a knowledge update at this stage."
Joe McSwiney, General Manager, Cascade Designs Ltd.

"So far, I have found the program to be both informative and challenging, and have learnt something new in each of the courses displayed. The presentation and method of questioning keep you focused and ensures you are thorough with your study. A good program pitched at the right level to provide the necessary tools and skills to make a difference."
Ian Stewart, UK

• Students need to register for membership with the appropriate accreditation body, and pay the appropriate examination fees prior to any examination sitting
• International Examination Centers will be established by the appropriate accreditation bodies. Information on these can be obtained directly from that body's web site
• It is intended to organize annual examination sittings in the months of March, June, September, and December
• Examinations sittings can also be arranged at an organization's premises if supervised in a controlled environment and with prior agreement from the appropriate body
• Membership and Examination Application Forms can be downloaded directly from the appropriate accreditation body

Associated Accreditation Bodies

The following organizations are in the process of offering our Lean Supply Chain Management Certificate program: