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Current Events

Streamlining the Order Process
Monthly Educational Program on December 11, 2008 - 7:30 - 9:30 am
Hennepin Technical College, Brooklyn Park

Can you improve your turnaround time in the front office?

Production lead times have shrunk dramatically due to ongoing lean improvements and increased automation. Now the front office, order entry, quoting, and engineering can benefit from the same scrutiny and use of Lean tools.

Reward your employees for a job well done - invite them to an educational program.




Saving Energy Dollars
Monthly Educational Program on January 8, 2009 - 7:30 - 9:30 am
Hennepin Technical College, Brooklyn Park

How can you reduce your facility energy costs?

Your plant's expenditures for natural gas, electricity, propane, and water are no longer a budget afterthought. If your facility costs keep taking too much of your bottom-line, hear from three local companies who have invested in saving energy.

Reward your employees for a job well done - invite them to an educational program.




Lean Product & Process Development
Workshop on January 13, 2009 - 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
The Reserve - Plymouth

Do you want to improve your product development time and designs as well as product costs and processes?

This interactive hands-on workshop teaches a facilitated team-based design process that uses simple tools combined with the creativity of people to achieve breakthroughs that meet the needs of all stakeholders.

In-house sessions available-call 763-383-9445




Value Stream Mapping
Workshop on January 15, 2009 - 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
The Reserve - Plymouth

Cut lead times . . . React faster . . . Eliminate more waste than ever!
Send your teams to this highly rated, interactive workshop.


Value Stream Mapping is one of the most important tools for Lean Manufacturing. All attendees participate in highly interactive mapping of production and information processes.

In-house sessions available-call 763-383-9445




Medical Terminology
on January 22, 2009 - 1:00 - 5:00 pm
Aerotek

Communicating with Medical Professionals. Understanding Medical Records and Literature.

Whether you are monitoring patient medical records, providing technical support in the operating room, reading journal articles, or discussing research with physicians, your confidence will increase when you can quickly decipher and understand medical jargon.

Certificates of attendance will be provided to be used towards CEUs and contact hours.




Voice of the Customer (VOC)
Workshop on January 22, 2009 - 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
The Reserve - Plymouth

Techniques to understand customer needs and perceptions.

This interactive workshop will teach critical success factors in capturing customer needs and perceptions and translating them into customer requirements and solution concepts. When you are able to uncover and balance your multiple customer needs and perceptions, you will then be able to translate them into products that result in profits.

In-house sessions available-call 763-383-9445




Persuasive Coaching & Influencing
Workshop on January 27, 2009 - 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
The Reserve - Plymouth

It takes more than a title and some authority to effectively lead people; ask anyone newly promoted into a leadership role!

This course assists participants with understanding and developing the influence and persuasion skills that make them more effective as team leaders.

In-house sessions available-call 763-383-9445




Visual Management and 5S Improvements
Workshop on January 28, 2009 - 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
The Reserve - Plymouth

These two techniques are the most overlooked tools in lean manufacturing!

Customers, employees and suppliers can tell a well-run plant without a narrated tour. The visual clues are everywhere. This workshop clearly demonstrates the differences between a traditional approach and one that uses these effective visual techniques. You can't get leaner without these tools.

In-house sessions available-call 763-383-9445




6 Sigma Green Belt Certification
Workshop on February 3, 2009 - 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
The Reserve - Plymouth

This Green Belt certification is offered by the Manufacturers Alliance in a 3-part series. The series may also be credited toward Lean/6 Sigma Certification

These courses will allow all attendees to participate in interactive exercises that demonstrate, in a practical manner, the application of basic 6 Sigma principles and tools. The application of these improvement techniques applies equally to the plant or office, whether service or manufacturing. Note: Our instructors are 6 Sigma practitioners with a blend of service and manufacturing backgrounds. Attendees will be required to submit a project in order to receive the certification.

6 Sigma Define & Measure
When: February 3, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Where: The Reserve, Plymouth

6 Sigma Analysis
When: March 4, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Where: The Reserve, Plymouth

6 Sigma Improvements and Control
When: April 2, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Where: The Reserve, Plymouth




Kaizen Rapid Improvement
Workshop on February 4, 2009 - 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
The Reserve - Plymouth

Do you need productivity and cost improvements now?

This workshop will provide the education and experience that is necessary for you to deploy rapid improvement teams at work. Interactive team exercises demonstrate, in a practical manner, the application of Kaizen techniques and principles.

In-house sessions available-call 763-383-9445




Essentials of Leading for Results
Supervisory Training on February 5, 2009 - 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Maple Grove Community Center

Designed specifically for manufacturers . . .
Leadership training for front-line managers, supervisors and team leaders!


Offered as part of the Learning to Lead Supervisory Training Series. Each series of six sessions may be taken sequentially or independently, depending upon experience and needs.

Additional Series: Leading Down New Paths
April 9 - May 14, 2009

Please note: To register for the entire Learning to Lead series go to the Training Series flyer.

In-house sessions available-call 763-383-9445




Employee Free Choice Act
Workshop on February 5, 2009 - 8:00 am - 10:00 am
Wooddale Church

Upcoming legislation under the new administration will make Union organizing eaisier

Attendees at this seminar will learn: The contours of the EFCA. How EFCA will change the existing law. 10 basic items each company should have in place to prevent union organizing under the EFCA.




Learning to Lead in Manufacturing- Series
Supervisory Training on February 5, 2009 - 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm


Each series of six sessions may be taken sequentially or independently, depending upon experience and needs.

Essentials of Leading for Results

February 5 – March 12, 2009

Leading Down New Paths
April 9 - May 14, 2009

Designed specifically for manufacturers . . .
Leadership training for front-line managers, supervisors and team leaders!

Please note: To register just for the series starting April 9, go to that session.

For course descriptions and other info, please go to either the Leading for Results or Leading Down New Paths entries.

In-house sessions available-call 763-383-9445




Lean Manufacturing Simulation
Workshop on February 10, 2009 - 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
The Reserve - Plymouth

Great workshop for teams!

Lean Manufacturing is the most productive, flexible, and highest quality approach to manufacturing - proven by bottom-line results. Attendees participate in an interactive business simulation that demonstrates, in a practical manner, the application of lean principles.

In-house sessions available-call 763-383-9445






Standard Work
Workshop on February 17, 2009 - 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
The Reserve - Plymouth

“Without Standard Work, there can be no improvement.”

This statement is a central truth of the Toyota Production System. Standard work defines the current best work process. It is the baseline for continuous improvement and is a tool used in auditing processes. Therefore, conformance to standard work contributes to the results you need to stay competitive, but is something we really don’t want to do. Until you can apply repeatable standard work successfully, improvements will yield less than their full potential and backsliding will be prevalent.

In-house sessions available-call 763-383-9445




Lean Material Replenishment
Workshop on February 18, 2009 - 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Maple Grove Community Center

This workshop is part of the Inventory Management Mini Series. See Mini Series flyer for details.


Need to learn how to implement a Lean MRS or improve on a current MRS program?

When setting up a Lean Material Replenishment System (MRS); we will focus on the people, the process, and the sizing. This will decrease inventories, increase material availability, and eliminate many stressful conversations between departments caused by MRP. Attendees participate, in an interactive simulation that demonstrates, in a practical manner, the application of these principles.

In-house sessions available-call 763-383-9445





Inventory Management Mini Series
on February 18, 2009 - 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Maple Grove Community Center

Each workshop in this series can be taken independently or sign up for both and save.

Lean Material Replenishment This course will assist you in learning how to implement a Lean MRS or how to improve on a current MRS program.
Lean Material Delivery: Supermarkets, PFEP & Delivery Systems: This course will introduce you to material movement tools, techniques and metrics.

In-house sessions available-call 763-383-9445


This Series includes:

Supermarkets, PFEP & Lean Material Delivery Systems
When: February 18, 2009 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Where: Maple Grove Community Center.

Lean Material Replenishment
When: February 18, 2009 from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm
Where: Maple Grove Community Center.



Supermarkets, PFEP & Lean Material Delivery Systems
Workshop on February 18, 2009 - 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Maple Grove Community Center

This workshop is part of the Supply Chain Management Mini Series. See Mini Series flyer for details.

Lean material flow can improve the efficiency of the production operator.

This course will introduce you to material movement tools, techniques and metrics and give you the ability to understand what is required in a lean material flow process.

In-house sessions available-call 763-383-9445




Leaders Standard Work
Workshop on February 19, 2009 - 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
The Reserve - Plymouth

Standard work for leaders is the engine that drives the lean management system and is crucial to any successful lean implementation.

Learn how to develop leaders standard work appropriate for all levels of the organization. Ensure the standard work is followed and generates results as well as continuous improvement.

In-house sessions available-call 763-383-9445





Lean Office Simulation
Workshop on February 24, 2009 - 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
The Reserve - Plymouth

This workshop is part of the Lean Office Mini Series. See the Lean Office Mini Series flyer for information on all of our Lean Office workshops.

The most untapped improvement opportunities are in the OFFICE!

Learn how proven manufacturing improvement processes may be adapted to office systems. Participants will experience hands-on learning of lean applications through a simulation exercise.

In-house sessions available-call 763-383-9445




Lean Office Mini-Series
on February 24, 2009 - 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
The Reserve - Plymouth

Each workshop in this series can be taken independently or sign up for all three and save.

The most untapped improvement opportunities are in the OFFICE! Learn how proven manufacturing improvement processes may be adapted to office systems by attending this 3-course mini-series. These courses must be taken in sequence.

See individual flyers for detailed information regarding these workshops.

In-house sessions available-call 763-383-9445


This Series includes:

Lean Office Simulation
When: February 24, 2009 from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Where: The Reserve - Plymouth.

Office 5S and Visual Management
When: March 24, 2009 from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Where: The Reserve - Plymouth.

Office Process Mapping
When: April 30, 2009 from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Where: The Reserve - Plymouth.



Supply Chain Partners: Selection, Risks & Controls
Workshop on March 3, 2009 - 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
The Reserve - Plymouth

Risks are an inherent characteristic of depending on supply chains. Learn how to implement robust risk identification and mitigation strategies to create strong supply chain partnerships.

Learn the differences between the traditional transactional relationship with suppliers and what it means to have supply chain partnerships.

In-house sessions available-call 763-383-9445




Lean Maintenance
Workshop on March 5, 2009 - 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
The Reserve - Plymouth

The heat is on to reduce costs and provide consistent results.

Achieve higher reliability from your equipment. Team exercises will demonstrate, in a practical manner, the application of PDM. Proactive planning and predictive maintenance are critical steps for reliable production flow.

In-house sessions available-call 763-383-9445




6 Sigma Fundamentals
Workshop on March 10, 2009 - 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
The Reserve - Plymouth

Great Workshop for Teams!

All attendees will participate in interactive exercises that demonstrate, in a practical manner, the application of 6 Sigma principles and tools. The application of these improvement techniques applies equally to the plant or office, manufacturing or service.

In-house sessions available-call 763-383-9445




Overcoming Resistance to Change
Workshop on March 17, 2009 - 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
The Reserve - Plymouth

How should dramatic change be led, communicated, supported and its barriers overcome?

This workshop focuses on learning implementation best practices from successful lean transformations. Learn how to overcome resistance and biases to change.

In-house sessions available-call 763-383-9445




Lean Accounting Mini-Series
on March 18, 2009 - 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
The Reserve - Plymouth

Each workshop can be taken independently or sign up for both and save.

Introduction to Lean Accounting: Lean Accounting provides better managerial accounting for decision-makers without disrupting the financial accounting for tax reporting.


Applying Lean Accounting: Everyone agrees that Lean Accounting is critical to the success of a Lean organization. But very few have the conviction and courage to begin that journey. Hear from the instructor how it is done.

In-house sessions available-call 763-383-9445


This Series includes:

Introduction to Lean Accounting
When: March 18, 2009 from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Where: The Reserve - Plymouth.

Applying Lean Accounting
When: April 22, 2009 from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Where: The Reserve - Plymouth.



Introduction to Lean Accounting
Workshop on March 18, 2009 - 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
The Reserve - Plymouth

This workshop is part of the Lean Accounting Mini Series. See the Lean Accounting Mini Series flyer for information on our other Lean Accounting workshops.

Lean Manufacturing cannot be sustained long-term without changes in the accounting, control, & measurement systems.


Lean Accounting provides better managerial accounting for decision-makers without disrupting the financial accounting for tax reporting. Lean reporting can be the missing link between tangible operational improvements and financial results.

In-house sessions available-call 763-383-9445





Mistake Proofing
Workshop on March 19, 2009 - 8:00 am - 12:00 noon
University of MN Continuing Education & Conference Center

Join your peers to learn Poke-Yoke techniques to eliminate defects.

People don’t want to make mistakes, but all workers make them. Learn how simple Poke-Yoke fool-proofing may remove the possibilities for error. Production devices or design for assembly criteria can eliminate mistakes before they happen. Achieve the reliable, continuous flow of Lean manufacturing.

In-house sessions available-call 763-383-9445




Office 5S and Visual Management
Workshop on March 24, 2009 - 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
The Reserve - Plymouth

This workshop is part of the Lean Office Mini Series. See the Lean Office Mini Series flyer for information on all of our Lean Office workshops.


Customers, employees and suppliers can tell a well-run office without a narrated tour. The visual clues are everywhere. This workshop is a straight-forward approach that impacts your customer and employee image, productivity and sales.

In-house sessions available-call 763-383-9445




Sustaining Lean
Workshop on March 31, 2009 - 8:00 am - 12:00 noon
Wooddale Church

How do you create an entire lean enterprise?

This interactive half-day workshop will help to assess where you are in your lean implementation: are you at a plateau, slipping backward, or continuing forward?

In-house sessions available-call 763-383-9445




Measuring the Right Things
Workshop on April 1, 2009 - 8:00 am - 12:00 noon
Maple Grove Community Center

You get what you measure.

It is critical that what you measure adds to the intended outcome of performance improvements. Learn to measure the right things for the shop and office.

In-house sessions available-call 763-383-9445




Leading Down New Paths
Supervisory Training on April 9, 2009 - 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Hennepin Customized Training and Conference Center

Designed specifically for manufacturers . . .
Leadership training for front-line managers, supervisors and team leaders!


Offered as part of the Learning to Lead Supervisory Training Series. Each series of six sessions may be taken sequentially or independently, depending upon experience and needs.

Additional Series: Essentials of Leading for Results
February 5 - March 12, 2009

Please note: To register for the entire Learning to Lead series go to the Training Series flyer.

In-house sessions available-call 763-383-9445




Leading and Training Improvement Teams
Workshop on April 16, 2009 - 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
The Reserve - Plymouth

The cornerstone of implementing a Lean Enterprise is getting a critical mass of people on board working towards improvement.

Our experienced instructor, Lynn Moline, will lead attendees through interactive discussions and exercises that demonstrate effective improvement team leadership and training. Perfect workshop for team leaders and members.

In-house sessions available-call 763-383-9445




Working with Different Personalities
Workshop on April 21, 2009 - 8:00 am - 12:00 noon
Wooddale Church

How do communication style differences affect your performance and your team’s?

Who Should Attend?
HR personnel, manufacturing managers, and those involved with teams.
What will be covered?
Dimensions of human behavior, communication styles (strengths and potential blind spots), modifying your behavior, verbal and non-verbal behavior styles, and understanding style differences.

In-house sessions available-call 763-383-9445




Applying Lean Accounting
Workshop on April 22, 2009 - 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
The Reserve - Plymouth

This workshop is part of the Lean Accounting Mini Series. See the Lean Accounting Mini Series flyer for information on our other Lean Accounting workshops.

Lean Manufacturing cannot be sustained long-term without changes in the accounting, control, & measurement systems.


Lean financial reporting can be the missing link between tangible operational improvements and financial results. Everyone agrees that Lean Accounting is critical to the success of a Lean organization. But very few have the courage and conviction to begin the Lean Accounting journey. Hear from experience how it can be done.

In-house sessions available-call 763-383-9445




Tour of Excellence
Workshop on April 28, 2009 - 7:30 am - 3:30 pm
Beckman Coulter & Possis Medical

See & hear lean best practices at two successful lean manufacturers.

Envision a clearer future state for your company! See great examples of lean manufacturing in Minnesota. Learn why they are recognized for lean manufacturing excellence. Take back ideas from your peers in leading Medical Device companies.




Greening Your Lean Program
Workshop on April 29, 2009 - 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Maple Grove Community Center

Learn how to apply Lean Tools for environmental improvements!

This class is about learning to think lean and green. Learn practical ways to use Lean Tools to improve your environmental performance and to save energy and money. Your Lean teams can learn how to “green” your operations and products as they do any lean project or you can specifically set up lean events to eliminate priority environmental, health and safety wastes.

In-house sessions available-call 763-383-9445




Office Process Mapping
Workshop on April 30, 2009 - 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
The Reserve - Plymouth

This workshop is part of the Lean Office Mini Series. See the Lean Office Mini Series flyer for information on all of our Lean Office workshops.


Cut lead times . . . React faster . . . Eliminate more waste than ever!

Office Process Mapping is one of the most important tools for the lean office.
Applying lean concepts and tools to the office environment presents unique challenges. The ability to see and recognize our processes is paramount to our ability to drive process improvement. This hands-on workshop provides you with the knowledge and experience necessary to start implementing mapping in the office.

In-house sessions available-call 763-383-9445




Lean Flow with TOC
Workshop on May 12, 2009 - 8:00 - 12:00 noon
Wooddale Church

Theory of Constraints, TOC, is an important tool for Lean Manufacturing.

Send teams to this practical, interactive workshop. Attendees participate in a simulation that demonstrates a more productive approach to flow.

In-house sessions available-call 763-383-9445




Setup Reduction
Workshop on May 20, 2009 - 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
The Reserve - Plymouth

Excellent workshop for machine operators!

Send teams to learn how to reduce setup times and eliminate waste on virtually any operation or machine.

Participants will learn the tools necessary to conduct a setup reduction event. These tools will then be applied to a simulated process where they will identify wastes, make improvements and track their progress.

In-house sessions available-call 763-383-9445




Design for 6 Sigma, DFSS
Workshop on May 21, 2009 - 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
The Reserve - Plymouth

Design for 6 Sigma (DFSS) a two-day class, focuses on designing the product or process “right” the first time. The first workshop, “Capturing Customer Design Requirements” will teach critical success factors in capturing customer needs and perceptions and translating them into customer requirements and solution concepts. The second workshop, “Selecting a Design Solution Concept” will teach techniques to select critical parameters and track a solution that meets customer needs. All will participate in interactive discussions and exercises.

Capturing Customer Design Requirements
When: May 21, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Where: The Reserve, Plymouth, MN

Selecting a Design Solution Concept
When: June 9, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Where: The Reserve, Plymouth




Policy Deployment, Strategies & Assessments
Workshop on May 26, 2009 - 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
The Reserve - Plymouth

Learn how to assess and develop your lean journey.

Lean implementations are driven by valid performance measures against realistic expectations. Therefore, you need to use a valid baseline of where you are now, an effective strategy on how to get to your goal, and an objective yardstick to measure and communicate improvement progress.

In-house sessions available-call 763-383-9445





Project Management for Manufacturers
Workshop on June 3, 2009 - 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
The Reserve - Plymouth

Successful project implementation - a foundation for success.

This is a practical application workshop. BRING AN ACTIVE PROJECT TO CUSTOMIZE FOR YOUR BUSINESS. Learn the critical steps which highly impact effective projects.

In-house sessions available-call 763-383-9445