Lean & Continuous Improvement Training for Manufacturers
The foundations of operational excellence, from overview sessions for teams just getting started to hands-on Kaizen workshops for plants already running a lean program.
What’s included
- Lean 101 Overview
- Standard Work
- A3 Problem Solving workshops
- Multi-day Kaizen events
A3 problem solving is the backbone of this curriculum — a structured, one-page method for working a manufacturing problem from root cause to a verified fix, built around the plan-do-check-act cycle. Read the full guide to A3 problem solving, including the 7-step process and how it compares to 8D and DMAIC.
Why this matters
A real starting point
Lean 101 Overview is built for teams beginning a lean program — the foundations, before tools get rolled out across a plant, not a jump straight into jargon.
Structured problem solving
A3 Problem Solving gives teams a disciplined, one-page method for working through a real production problem instead of jumping straight to a fix.
Hands-on, not just theory
Multi-day Kaizen events, run through OpExChange, put the tools to work on a real process in your own plant.
Frequently asked questions
We have never run a lean program — where do we start?
Lean 101 Overview is the right starting point — the foundations, before tools get rolled out across a plant.
What is a Kaizen event?
A focused, multi-day improvement event where a team works on a specific process, typically producing a measurable change by the end of the week rather than a report to implement later.
Do you offer Value Stream Mapping training?
Value stream mapping concepts are covered within our Lean training — contact the training team about current scheduling for a VSM-focused session.
Related training
Explore related areas: Maintenance & Reliability, Quality & Inspection, or see the full learning paths and complete training catalog.
How to enrol
Most SCMEP courses can be delivered virtually, at an SCMEP location, or on-site at your facility. Availability and scheduling change through the year, so the training team is the fastest route to current dates.
- Tell us what you need — the area, roughly how many people, and whether you’d prefer on-site or virtual.
- We confirm what’s scheduled — or what it takes to run it for your team.
- Your team trains — with follow-up through the OpExChange peer network where it helps.
SCMEP offices
Greenville
250 Executive Center Drive, Suite 200Greenville, SC 29615
Columbia
250 Berryhill Road, Suite 115Columbia, SC 29210
A NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership affiliate serving South Carolina manufacturers since 1989.