The nonprofit Lean Enterprise Institute, in Cambridge, Mass., a provider of books, research and training for implementing “lean thinking,” has announced an expansion to better serve the needs of the manufacturing and service industries.
The institute also moved to larger offices and training space at One Cambridge Center in Cambridge.
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“LEI is introducing new programs, led by new people, at a new location to improve the practice of lean, the search for lean knowledge, and how we share the knowledge across the world,” said James P. Womack, the institute’s founder and chairman.
Based on customer research, Womack said, the institute has formed four units – Lean Learning Materials, Lean Education, Lean Enterprise Partners and Lean Events.
Lean Learning Materials will expand the depth and breadth of the institute’s publications and training materials to functional areas beyond operations, including product development, supplier management, policy management and the consumption process from the standpoint of the customer. It also will develop materials for senior executives leading lean transformations.
Lean Education will expand the institute’s workshop series to include all functional areas in enterprises while developing lean leadership courses for senior managers in a range of industries.
Lean Enterprise partners will form consortia of traditional manufacturing companies attempting to apply lean methods across the entire enterprise and will work with partner firms pioneering lean applications in a range of service industries, from retail and health care, to maintenance and financial services.
The experience and insights gained from these activities will provide the basis for future publications on lean management, the institute said.
Lean Events will produce public conferences and private seminars for senior managers to explore the implications of lean enterprise.
The institute was founded in 1997 by Womack to promote “lean” thinking, based initially on the Toyota Production System and extended to an entire “lean business system.” Its global mission is to be the leading educator for maximizing value and minimizing waste.
The institute’s Web site is www.lean.org.
