Related Links
The following links will direct you to organizations serving lean practitioners as well as sector-based lean initiatives.
Organizations Serving Lean Practitioners
- American Society for Quality’s Lean Enterprise Division
ASQ is a nonprofit organization. Their Lean Enterprise Division promotes Lean Enterprise principles and practices, provide training in the areas of Lean Enterprise and to be a source of Advanced Manufacturing information to ASQ members and others. - Association for Manufacturing Excellence
A not-for-profit organization founded in 1985 comprised of 6,000 executives, senior and middle managers working to improve their personal performance and the competitiveness of their organizations. - Institute of Industrial Engineers
Founded in 1948, the premier society dedicated to serving the professional needs of industrial engineers and all individuals involved in improving quality and productivity. - Lean Enterprise Institute
A 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation founded by James P. Womack, Ph.D, in August 1997 to promote a set of ideas commonly known as "lean thinking". - Manufacturing Management and Technology Institute
Offers training and consulting services addressing both technical and managerial issues to companies to help them achieve improvements that are both measurable and durable. - National Institute of Standards and Technology-Manufacturing Extension Partnership
A nationwide network of not-for-profit centers in over 400 locations nationwide, whose primary purpose is to provide small and medium sized manufacturers with the help they need to succeed. - Northwest Lean Manufacturing Network
Formed in October of 1997, the Northwest Lean Manufacturing Network (NWLEAN) assists companies implement lean production systems. - Shingo Prize for Excellence in Manufacturing
Promotes world-class manufacturing and recognizes companies that achieve superior customer satisfaction and business results. - Society of Manufacturing Engineers
Through its member programs, publications, expositions, and professional development resources, Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) promotes an increased awareness of manufacturing engineering and helps keep manufacturing professionals up to date on leading trends and technologies.
Sector-Based Lean Initiatives
- Lean Aerospace Initiative
The Lean Aerospace Initiative (LAI) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology helps focus understanding and application of lean techniques in the aerospace sector by building on nearly a decade of knowledge around lean principles and practices in industry. - Lean Construction Institute
Reform the management of production in design, engineering and construction for capital facilities.- Related information about the construction sector in EPA's Sector Strategies Program.
- Lean Shipbuilding Initiative
A national initiative to make the shipbuilding industry competitive by applying lean manufacturing principles.- Related information about the shipbuilding sector in EPA's Sector Strategies Program.
- Society of Automotive Engineers
The Lean Enterprise Services is a comprehensive suite of products and services designed to assist the automotive and aerospace industries in the development, implementation, documentation, and dissemination of lean enterprise principles and practices; and to enhance the knowledge and professional ability of our engineering members to create, manage and utilize lean tools and methods. - United States Army Lean Six Sigma Program
The United States Army has began an effort through Army Materiel Command (AMC) to reduce waste throughout every process.
Lean Publishers
- Productivity Press The premier publisher for Lean business improvement, Productivity Press is a major contributor to the advancement of Lean Manufacturing in the United States.
- The Lean Library
The Lean Library is a clearing house of publications and periodicals that can help you on your lean journey. They have comprehensive reviews that help you choose the best literature for your needs.