Description
Principles of Lean Manufacturing (with live simulation) is an overview class that provides a foundation for all other lean classes in the series.
Participants begin by manufacturing various assemblies in a traditional manufacturing setting. The results of the first simulation round will provide the setting for continuous improvement by applying the lean manufacturing principles. Participants will have the knowledge of understanding the 9 wastes in manufacturing. A mixture of lecture and hands-on simulations will teach lessons in standardized work, workplace organization, visual controls, set-up reduction, batch size reduction, point of use storage, quality at the source, workforce practices, and pull systems. Each is designed to eliminate waste in the manufacturing processes.
Lean Manufacturing provides a systematic approach to reducing costs and lead time by continuously eliminating non-value added activities. It promotes continuous improvement, committed management and empowers employees. By implementing Lean techniques at every level, managers are able to create Lean Enterprises that are increasing the gap between winners and losers.
Training Information
Lean 101 (8 hrs)
- History of Manufacturing
- Basic Definitions
- Lean
- Value Added Activities
- Non-Value Added Activities
- Waste: Overproduction, waiting, transportation, non-value added processing, excess inventory, defects, excess motion, underutilized people, energy/environment
- Continuous Improvement
- Effective Leadership
- Collaboration, Not Competition
The class provides students with the principles of Lean Manufacturing through a combination of classroom lecture, real life examples and simulated manufacturing system. Students participate in four simulation rounds, by building modular airplanes from Lego blocks based on a traditional manufacturing company.
Jesus “Jesse” Cano | Trusted Business Advisor, TMAC South Texas
Jesus “Jesse” Cano joined the Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center (TMAC) at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in 2017. A Rio Grande Valley native, Jesse is passionate about strengthening organizations across South Texas by helping manufacturers, businesses, and public-sector organizations improve performance, develop their workforce, and implement practical solutions that support long-term growth.
Jesse brings nearly 20 years of experience in manufacturing, engineering, continuous improvement, and consulting across the Oil & Gas, Power Generation, Aerospace, Manufacturing, and Service sectors. Prior to joining TMAC, he held engineering and technical leadership roles with GE Aviation, GE Power, Superior Energy Services, and Baker Hughes, serving in positions including Design Engineer, Lead Manufacturing Engineer, and Lead Repair Technology Engineer.
Throughout his career, Jesse has led and supported initiatives in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, operational excellence, productivity, quality, New Product Introduction (NPI), process improvement, facility and workflow optimization, and workforce development. Since joining TMAC, he has applied this experience across an even broader range of organizations, including municipalities, educational institutions, manufacturers, and service-based businesses. His work focuses on helping leaders and teams identify opportunities, strengthen processes, build internal capabilities, and turn improvement strategies into measurable results.
Jesse holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Texas Pan American and has completed extensive professional training and certifications in Lean, Six Sigma, Quality, Project Management, Leadership, Coaching, and Workforce Development. He is a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt and remains focused on helping organizations strengthen their people, processes, and capabilities so they can adapt, compete, and grow in an increasingly technology-driven environment.
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