The Society of Manufacturing Engineers, the Association for Manufacturing Excellence and The Shingo Prize for Excellence in Manufacturing are working together to develop a new standard for lean certification. The organizations are collaborating with industry and academia in the initiative, which has been encouraged by lean constituents. The certification scheme is being designed for manufacturing professionals who want recognition and credentials to illustrate their knowledge and application of lean principles. Certification candidates will have to serve as mentors and be mentored, provide a portfolio to illustrate how lean principles were applied in organizations and pass an examination.

In a survey with more than 1,100 industry respondents, 77 percent indicated a likelihood of pursuing lean certification, while 83 percent stated that the collaborative development of a lean standard is critical, very important or important. Additionally, 60 percent of those surveyed thought lean leaders at their organization should be certified.

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