(SME: Dearborn, MI) -- Continuing to set the standard for operational excellence and an improved workforce, the Lean Certification Alliance has introduced customer-driven improvements to its Lean Certification program, a globally recognized standard for lean principles and practices.

Lean Certification candidates will now encounter an improved program and more streamlined process in achieving certification. The hierarchical requirements—Bronze, then Silver, then Gold—have been eliminated. This allows candidates to obtain certification at the rank that is most appropriate to their career, knowledge, and experience.

“Technology is changing so rapidly these days and the manufacturing industry continues to evolve and develop at high speed which means the workforce needs to keep up,” said Jeannine Kunz, Managing Director, Workforce and Education, SME. “Many of those looking to invest in Lean Certification for career development have strong on-the-job experience and we want to recognize this expertise as candidates learn to apply innovative thinking to solve real-world challenges.”

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