Frequently Asked Questions
September 2011: We’re just starting out so please bear with us whilst we build a comprehensive FAQ on all the major topics, tools, theory and best practice in the world of ‘Lean for Services’.
We have also prepared some useful answers to the most common questions covering REINVIGORATION’s training and consultancy services.
What is the Lean Competency System?
The Lean Competency System (LCS) is a unique resource developed by LERC at Cardiff University to provide individuals and organisations with an organised and relevant lean qualifications structure. In essence, it enables organisations such as Reinvigoration to issue LERC accredited lean qualifications to employees who have successfully completed an endorsed programme of lean oriented training. It also enables experienced managers to gain recognition for their lean knowledge and practical experience.
How can I achieve qualifications through the Lean Competency System?
The first qualification in the LCS structure can be achieved through attending a learning event such as the Lean Service Awareness or Lean Service Basics course and successfully passing the 1a multiple choice test. In order to achieve the next two qualifications of 1b and 1c, a completed workbook (with the guidance of a Reinvigoration coach) and a completed essay on the subject of lean in service is required. The workbooks will simply be an illustration of the work the delegate has carried out in their workplace. Level 2 of the LCS requires deeper learning from the Advanced Lean Service Practitioner course and workbook submission illustrating the competence of knowing how to select and apply lean techniques and the ability to lead a lean programme.
How can I convince my employer to allow me to use Lean consulting or training services?
Of course the reason for using any training or consulting support is to achieve a high return on the investment made. Reinvigoration can help you create a business case to illustrate the results in which using this methodology can completely outway financial investment made, many times over. So whether the need is to improve customer service, to increase sales or to improve efficiency to reduce operating costs, we will happily spend the time (free of charge) supporting the creation of a realistic business case with you, enabling the organisational desire to invest in training or consulting support.
Why train with Reinvigoration?
- Courses are highly interactive with many practical group activities used to apply learning
- We only use real service sector industry examples to explain theory rather than non-relevant manufacturing based concepts
- We use simulations for delegates to apply their learning and physically see the benefits of the techniques they are being introduced to
- We are accredited by LERC at Cardiff University meaning you can achieve leading industry Lean Service qualifications through our training
What is the difference between LERC’s Lean Competency System qualifications and Six Sigma Belts?
The Six Sigma belt system is a qualification structure which is well established but arguably poorly controlled worldwide. For example if one person may obtain a black belt from simply attending a training course, while another person may have attended numerous courses and submitted information on multiple projects to achieve the same qualification with another provider. This problem has down graded the value of a Six Sigma belt qualification particularly in the recruitment market. LERC at Cardiff University manage the LCS qualifications and monitor all of their accreditation partners to ensure a consistent approach is taken to assessment. This gives a higher credence to individuals holding these qualifications and therefore a development route recognised in industry.
What are key differences between Manufacturing and Service organisations?
There are many differences between processes in manufacturing companies to those in service organisations, therefore different approaches to improvement are required. These differences in characteristics include:
Manufacturing:
Tangible product created
Service:
Intangible product
Lower variety in demand type Higher variety in demand type Products have long life cycles Services are usually instantaneous & short lived experiences Products can be stockpiled Services can not be stockpiled Production not usually seen by customer Customer may be part of the production Human element not important to customer Human element is key to the customer A poor quality product can be replaced A fantastic service must follow to compensate original poor service