Course Overview

    Overview

    Course Highlights

    Eligibility Criteria

    Benefits

    What Is Lean Manufacturing Training?Your Route to Waste-Free Production

    Lean Manufacturing Training in South Africa is a practical, one-day skills programme that teaches you to eliminate waste and build faster, leaner production. Rooted in the Toyota Production System (TPS) developed by Taiichi Ohno and Shigeo Shingo, Lean manufacturing applies the five Lean principles (identify value, map the value stream, create flow, establish pull and seek perfection) to remove non-value-adding activity from any production system. Over eight hours of instructor-led learning, you work through the eight wastes (DOWNTIME), value stream mapping, 5S and visual management, pull systems and Kanban, Just-in-Time, Total Productive Maintenance and OEE, standard work, SMED and Kaizen. Hands-on waste-identification and OEE exercises let you apply each tool to realistic shop-floor scenarios. This is a non-certification course, so there is no exam. You leave with a course completion record from Invensis Learning and, more importantly, a toolkit you can use from day one across South Africa's automotive, food and beverage, chemicals and metals plants. Start building world-class manufacturing capability with Invensis Learning.

    What Is Lean Manufacturing Training?Your Route to Waste-Free Production

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    Key Highlightof the Lean Manufacturing Training Course

    Lean Manufacturing Training EligibilityWho Can Enroll?

    Why Lean Manufacturing Skills Are Worth ItValue You Apply from Day One

    Where Lean Skills Lead in South AfricaRoles, Demand and Pay Outlook

    Lean skills sit at the heart of South Africa's manufacturing drive, valued across automotive, food and beverage, chemicals, metals and pharmaceutical plants under pressure to do more with less. As the Automotive Masterplan pushes local content and competitiveness, and energy and cost constraints squeeze margins, employers are hiring people who can eliminate waste, lift OEE and improve flow, which is exactly what practical Lean Manufacturing training develops. Roles range from Manufacturing Engineer and Quality Engineer to Continuous Improvement Manager, Lean Manager and Operations Manager, and here is what the market is telling us now.

    What Is Driving Lean Demand in South African Plants

    Lean is more than a method. It is how South African plants protect margins and win work. Join the professionals turning waste into flow, and start building world-class manufacturing capability today.

    Your South Africa Lean Transformation

    Before and After You Master Lean

    What Lean Mastery Changes on the Floor

    South Africa's factories are modernising under real pressure, from energy constraints to tough local-content and cost targets, and employers increasingly separate teams that can run Lean from those that cannot. Here is what changes once you master the tools.

    Sources: PayScale, ERI SalaryExpert, Glassdoor (South Africa) 2026.

    Module 1: Foundations of Lean Thinking

    • Overview of the Toyota Production System (TPS), the history of Lean, and how Lean thinking differs from traditional mass production approaches
    • Understanding the five Lean principles: Value, Value Stream, Flow, Pull, and Perfection, and how they apply to manufacturing and service environments
    • Introduction to Lean culture, the leadership role in Lean transformation, and the importance of employee engagement in sustaining continuous improvement

    Module 2: Identifying and Eliminating Waste (MUDA, MURA, MURI)

    • Identifying the eight types of waste: Defects, Overproduction, Waiting, Non-Utilised Talent, Transportation, Inventory, Motion, and Extra Processing
    • Conducting waste walk exercises to assess current-state operations and prioritise improvement opportunities across production processes
    • Understanding the difference between MUDA (waste), MURA (unevenness), and MURI (overburden), and applying structured elimination strategies for each

    Module 3: Value Stream Mapping (VSM)

    • Creating current-state value stream maps to visualise the flow of materials and information across the production process
    • Analysing current-state maps to identify bottlenecks, excess inventory, non-value-added steps, and process cycle efficiency metrics
    • Designing future-state value stream maps and building improvement roadmaps to close the gap between current and desired production performance

    Module 4: 5S Workplace Organisation

    • Implementing the five steps of 5S: Sort (Seiri), Set in Order (Seiton), Shine (Seiso), Standardise (Seiketsu), and Sustain (Shitsuke)
    • Conducting 5S workplace assessments, scoring production areas, and identifying corrective actions to improve organisation and visual management
    • Building 5S sustaining mechanisms including audit schedules, visual controls, and standard work documentation to maintain workplace improvements

    Module 5: Just-in-Time (JIT) Production and Kanban

    • Understanding Just-in-Time production principles including Takt Time analysis, one-piece flow, and pull-based scheduling to reduce inventory and lead times
    • Designing and implementing Kanban pull systems to manage material flow, signal replenishment, and eliminate overproduction between production stages
    • Calculating Takt Time, cycle time, and process lead time to balance workload and design efficient production flows aligned with customer demand

    Module 6: Kaizen and Continuous Improvement Events

    • Understanding Kaizen philosophy, the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) improvement cycle, and the principles of rapid improvement event facilitation
    • Planning, facilitating, and following up on structured Kaizen events including team selection, problem scoping, root cause analysis, and countermeasure implementation
    • Building a Kaizen culture through daily improvement habits, idea management systems, and leadership behaviours that sustain continuous improvement momentum

    Module 7: Error-Proofing with Poka-Yoke and Jidoka

    • Understanding error-proofing principles and the difference between detection and prevention approaches to quality control in manufacturing processes
    • Designing and implementing Poka-Yoke (mistake-proofing) devices and mechanisms to eliminate defects at the source before they reach the next production stage
    • Applying Jidoka (autonomation) principles to enable machines and operators to detect abnormalities, stop production, and signal for corrective action automatically

    Module 8: Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and OEE

    • Understanding Total Productive Maintenance principles including the eight pillars of TPM and how TPM supports Lean production by eliminating equipment-related waste
    • Calculating Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) using Availability, Performance, and Quality components to measure and improve production asset performance
    • Implementing Autonomous Maintenance practices to involve operators in basic equipment care, inspection, and early defect detection to reduce unplanned downtime

    Module 9: Sustaining Lean and Building a Lean Culture

    • Developing Lean management systems including visual management, daily team meetings, tiered accountability processes, and leader standard work to sustain improvements
    • Measuring and tracking Lean progress using key performance indicators including lead time, first-pass yield, OEE, inventory turns, and on-time delivery
    • Building a long-term Lean transformation roadmap, engaging cross-functional teams, and developing internal Lean practitioner capability to drive ongoing operational excellence

    Course Curriculumof the Lean Manufacturing Training

    The Lean Manufacturing training curriculum in South Africa is structured across nine modules, taking learners from foundational Lean thinking and waste identification through to advanced production system design, error-proofing, and sustaining continuous improvement culture.

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    Skills You Will BuildA Complete Shop-Floor Toolkit

    Lean Manufacturing Training gives you a complete, practical toolkit for waste elimination and flow. By the end of the programme you can run a waste walk, map a value stream, launch 5S, design a Kanban pull system, calculate OEE and lead Kaizen improvements on the shop floor.

    Identify and Eliminate the Eight Wastes

    Recognise and remove the eight wastes (DOWNTIME): defects, overproduction, waiting, non-utilised talent, transportation, inventory, motion and extra processing. Run a Gemba waste walk and quantify waste to prioritise where to improve first.

    Map and Improve the Value Stream

    Draw current-state and future-state value stream maps, capture cycle and changeover times, calculate takt time and locate the bottleneck. Use the map to plan Kaizen events that improve flow across the whole process.

    Organise the Workplace with 5S

    Apply the five steps of 5S (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardise, Sustain) and visual management tools such as Andon, floor markings and production boards to create a safer, more productive and self-explaining workplace.

    Design Pull Systems and Kanban

    Move from push to pull production, size and run Kanban loops and supermarkets, and apply Just-in-Time principles to cut overproduction and inventory while keeping downstream demand supplied.

    Lift Equipment Reliability with TPM and OEE

    Use Total Productive Maintenance and calculate OEE (Availability x Performance x Quality). Identify the six big losses and target world-class performance to unlock capacity you already own.

    Standardise Work and Cut Changeover with SMED

    Write standard work built on takt time, work sequence and standard WIP, apply SMED to slash changeover times, level production with Heijunka, and sustain gains through daily Kaizen and A3 problem solving.

    Who Should TakeLean Manufacturing Training in South Africa?

    Manufacturing Managers and Plant Managers

    Production Supervisors and Team Leaders

    Quality Engineers and Quality Managers

    Industrial Engineers and Process Engineers

    Supply Chain and Operations Professionals

    Maintenance Engineers and TPM Coordinators

    Professionals transitioning into Lean or process improvement roles

    Continuous Improvement (CI) and Operational Excellence Specialists

    Who Can Take This Certification Training

    Lean Manufacturing Training Modesfor Professionals and Teams

    We offer flexible training formats designed to suit different learning preferences, schedules, and professional goals. Whether you prefer self-paced learning or a structured, corporate, instructor-led experience, choose the option that best supports your skill development journey with the best Lean Manufacturing online training options.

    Lean Manufacturing Live Virtual Training

    • Live online instructor-led sessions

    • Interactive discussions and virtual activities

    • Expert guidance from experienced trainers

    • Practice assessments and revision support

    • Dedicated Q&A sessions for concept clarification

    • Fixed schedules for accountability and momentum

    • Small batch sizes for personalized attention

    • Access from any location with internet connectivity

    ZAR 5690

    Attend fully interactive online sessions from anywhere while benefiting from real-time instructor guidance and collaborative learning experiences through virtual Lean Manufacturing training.

    Best For: Professionals seeking the flexibility of online learning without compromising on live instructor interaction.

    Lean Manufacturing Classroom Training

    • Instructor-led classroom sessions

    • Interactive discussions and group activities

    • Real-world examples and practical exercises

    • Structured learning with fixed schedules

    • Opportunities for peer networking and collaboration

    • Practice assessments and knowledge checks

    • Dedicated Q&A and concept clarification

    • Immediate trainer feedback and support

    Learn through face-to-face sessions led by experienced instructors in a collaborative classroom environment. This classroom Lean Manufacturing training in South Africa combines expert guidance, peer interaction, and hands-on activities to create an engaging learning experience.

    Best For: Learners who prefer in-person interaction, structured schedules, and collaborative learning experiences.

    Lean Manufacturing Corporate Group Training

    • Customized training aligned to organizational goals

    • Flexible delivery: onsite, virtual, hybrid, or blended

    • Scheduling tailored to business availability

    • Role-based examples and industry-relevant discussions

    • Progress tracking and learner assessments where applicable

    • Dedicated coordination and administrative support

    • Consistent learning experiences across teams

    • Scalable delivery for local, regional, or global workforces

    Designed for organizations in South Africa that want to build capabilities at scale, standardize Lean practices, and support workforce development through customized Lean Manufacturing training for companies.

    Best For: Organizations looking to upskill employees, address capability gaps, and deliver consistent training across teams.

    Lean Manufacturing Focused 1-to-1 Training

    • One-to-one instructor attention

    • Customized learning plans and objectives

    • Flexible scheduling based on availability

    • Personalized feedback and coaching

    • Additional focus on challenging topics

    • Targeted practice and revision support

    • Faster clarification of questions and concepts

    • Learning pace is adapted to individual needs

    Receive personalized instruction tailored to your goals, pace, and learning requirements through dedicated sessions from trusted Lean Manufacturing training company.

    Best For: Professionals seeking personalized guidance, accelerated learning, or focused support to achieve specific outcomes.

    Lean Manufacturing Live Virtual Training

    Lean Manufacturing Live Virtual Training

    Live online instructor-led sessions

    Interactive discussions and virtual activities

    Expert guidance from experienced trainers

    Practice assessments and revision support

    Dedicated Q&A sessions for concept clarification

    Fixed schedules for accountability and momentum

    Small batch sizes for personalized attention

    Access from any location with internet connectivity

    Starts from

    ZAR 5690

    Please Note: Attend fully interactive online sessions from anywhere while benefiting from real-time instructor guidance and collaborative learning experiences through virtual Lean Manufacturing training.

    Best For: Professionals seeking the flexibility of online learning without compromising on live instructor interaction.

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    Why Choose Invensis Learning in South Africa?Practical Lean, Your Way

    As a trusted Lean Manufacturing training company in South Africa, Invensis Learning delivers structured, practical Lean training for professionals and organisations that want to eliminate waste, improve flow and build a continuous improvement culture. Our programmes combine experienced trainers, flexible delivery formats, organised courseware and hands-on exercises that connect directly to the shop floor. Whether you enrol as an individual or plan corporate training for a plant team, Invensis Learning provides a professional experience built around practical understanding, real-world application and measurable improvement, backed by ISO 9001:2015 quality and ISO 27001:2022 information-security certification.

    • Experienced trainers with real Lean and operational excellence practice
    • Flexible formats: live virtual, classroom and onsite for teams
    • ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 27001:2022 certified training operation
    • Structured courseware with hands-on shop-floor tool exercises
    • Learning designed for immediate application at work, not just theory
    • Dedicated learner support before, during and after training
    • Customised group delivery for plants and cross-functional teams
    • Global delivery with local support across South Africa

    4

    Flexible Learning Modes

    98%

    First-Attempt Pass Rate

    5000+

    Accredited Trainers Globally

    4.7/5

    Rated by Learners Worldwide

    ISO 9001:2015 Certified

    ISO 9001:2015 Certified

    ISO 27001:2022 Certified

    ISO 27001:2022 Certified

    Secure SSL Encryption

    Secure SSL Encryption

    Leaders in Training industry for 12+ years

    Leaders in Training industry for 12+ years

    Over 5000 five star reviews

    Over 5000 five star reviews

    Level AA conformance, W3C WCAG 2.2

    Level AA conformance, W3C WCAG 2.2

    Lean Manufacturing Training Locations in South AfricaAll our classroom training is now available online at your convenience

    Lean Manufacturing in South Africa

    The Westin Cape Town Convention Square, Lower Long Street, Cape Town Ward 115, Cape Town, City of Cape Town, Western Cape, 8000, South Africa

    Lean Manufacturing in South Africa

    Southern Sun Katherine Street Sandton, 115, Linden Street, Atholl Gardens, Johannesburg Ward 91, Johannesburg, City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, Gauteng, 2146, South Africa

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    Corporate Lean Training for TeamsStandardise Your Practice

    • Suitable for small, medium and large plant teams
    • Customised schedules built around shift and line availability
    • Flexible delivery through onsite, live virtual or hybrid formats
    • Trainers with real manufacturing and continuous improvement experience
    • Waste and Lean tool exercises applied to your own production area
    • Dedicated coordination and learner support for group programmes
    • Scalable delivery for teams across South Africa and beyond

    Leading South African Manufacturers

    Toyota South Africa MotorsVolkswagen Group AfricaSasolNestle South AfricaSouth African BreweriesAspen Pharmacare

    What Our Learners Say

    5S Changed How I See My Line

    "The waste walk and 5S sessions changed how I see my line. Within weeks we cut searching time and freed up bench space. The trainer used real plant examples, not just theory."

    Thabo Nkosi

    Production Supervisor

    0/0

    Found Hidden Capacity with OEE

    "I finally understand how value stream mapping and OEE fit together. I ran an OEE study the week after the course and found capacity we did not know we had."

    Lerato Molefe

    Manufacturing Engineer

    0/0

    Practical and Relevant

    "Practical and well paced. The eight wastes and Poka Yoke content mapped straight onto problems I deal with every day on the plant floor."

    Rui Pereira

    Quality Engineer

    0/0

    A Shared Language Across Shifts

    "We trained two shifts onsite. Giving everyone the same Lean language made daily problem solving far easier, and our changeover times are already coming down."

    Nomvula Dlamini

    Operations Manager, Food and Beverage Sector

    0/0

    Tailored to Our Shop Floor

    "The corporate session was tailored to our shop floor. Standard work and SMED gave the team tools they applied immediately. A strong return for the time invested."

    Willem Botha

    Plant Manager, Automotive Components Sector

    0/0



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    Happy Learners

    100+

    Locations Worldwide

    99%

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    We also deliver South Africa Certification Training across multiple cities

    Invensis Learning delivers industry-leading Lean Manufacturing training solutions tailored for individuals and organizations.

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    Frequently Asked QuestionsHere's everything you may ask...

    Lean Manufacturing Training is a practical, one-day skills course that teaches you to eliminate waste and improve production flow using the Toyota Production System toolkit. It covers the five Lean principles, the eight wastes, value stream mapping, 5S, Kanban, TPM, OEE, standard work, SMED and Kaizen, and is delivered in South Africa in live virtual, classroom and onsite formats.

    General

    What is Lean Manufacturing Training?

    Lean Manufacturing Training is a practical, one-day skills course that teaches you to eliminate waste and improve production flow using the Toyota Production System toolkit. It covers the five Lean principles, the eight wastes, value stream mapping, 5S, Kanban, TPM, OEE, standard work, SMED and Kaizen, and is delivered in South Africa in live virtual, classroom and onsite formats.

    Is Lean Manufacturing Training worth it in South Africa?

    Yes. As local plants face energy, cost and competitiveness pressure, employers value people who can raise OEE, cut waste and improve flow. The skills apply across automotive, food and beverage, chemicals, metals and pharmaceutical manufacturing, and roles such as Continuous Improvement Manager and Lean Manager command strong salaries.

    Who should attend this Lean course?

    The course suits production and manufacturing managers, industrial and manufacturing engineers, operations supervisors and team leaders, quality engineers, maintenance and TPM staff, and continuous improvement coordinators. Anyone working in or responsible for a production operation will benefit.

    Do I need prior Lean experience to attend?

    No. There are no prerequisites. The training introduces Lean manufacturing from first principles, so beginners and experienced professionals both benefit. Prior shop-floor or production experience is helpful but not required.

    Does this course lead to a certification?

    No. This is a non-certification skills course, so there is no exam. You receive a course completion record from Invensis Learning and, more importantly, a practical toolkit you can apply immediately at work.

    Pricing

    How much does Lean Manufacturing Training cost in South Africa?

    Fees vary by delivery mode (live virtual, classroom or onsite), group size and schedule, so pricing is available on request. Request a quote from a learning advisor for current South African pricing and group rates.

    What is included in the course fee?

    The fee typically includes instructor-led training across all six Lean modules, hands-on tool exercises, learning materials and templates, learner support and a course completion record. Contact us to confirm exactly what your selected format includes.

    Do you offer group or corporate discounts?

    Yes. Corporate and group training is available with tailored schedules and volume-based pricing for plants, lines and cross-functional teams. Ask about corporate pricing for your organisation.

    Are there payment or instalment options?

    We accept major cards and bank transfers, and instalment options are available on selected plans. Speak with a learning advisor to choose the option that suits you.

    Is the price different for onsite delivery?

    Onsite delivery is priced per group and depends on team size, location and customisation. For plants across South Africa, request a quote and we will tailor a proposal for your team.

    Assessment

    Is there an exam for this course?

    No. Lean Manufacturing Training is a non-certification course with no examination. Learning is reinforced through hands-on tool exercises, waste-identification activities, case examples and team discussion during the programme.

    How is my learning assessed?

    There is no formal assessment. You apply Lean tools through practical exercises, such as waste walks, value stream mapping, 5S assessment, OEE calculation and Kanban design, on realistic shop-floor scenarios during the training.

    What do I receive on completion?

    You receive a course completion record from Invensis Learning confirming you have completed the programme. The real value is a working Lean toolkit you can use from day one.

    Is the course accredited by a governing body?

    Lean manufacturing is a methodology rooted in the Toyota Production System, not a credential with a single governing body. This training builds practical skills and knowledge rather than preparing you for a certification exam.

    Will this help me apply Lean at work?

    Yes. The course is built around applying tools to real production settings. Afterwards you can run waste walks, map value streams, launch 5S, design Kanban pull systems, calculate OEE and lead Kaizen improvements.

    Course Content

    What will I learn in Lean Manufacturing Training?

    You will learn the five Lean principles, how to identify and eliminate the eight wastes (DOWNTIME), value stream mapping, 5S and visual management, pull systems and Kanban, Just-in-Time, TPM and OEE, standard work, SMED quick changeover, Heijunka and Kaizen.

    What tools does the course cover?

    Core tools include value stream mapping, 5S, Kanban, Just-in-Time, Total Productive Maintenance and OEE, standard work, SMED and Poka Yoke, plus the waste-identification and Kaizen methods that tie them together.

    How long is the training?

    The programme runs for one day (eight hours) and can also be delivered as two half-days. It covers all six Lean modules with concept explanations, case examples and hands-on exercises throughout.

    Are there hands-on exercises?

    Yes. You practise waste classification, value stream data collection, a 5S assessment, OEE calculation and Kanban sizing, applying each tool to realistic manufacturing scenarios so you can repeat it at work.

    Is the course relevant to non-automotive plants?

    Yes. While Lean began in automotive, the principles and tools apply to food and beverage, chemicals, metals, pharmaceutical and consumer goods manufacturing, and to many service and logistics operations too.

    Enrolment

    How do I enrol in Lean Manufacturing Training?

    You can enrol through the Invensis Learning website. Choose your preferred format, complete payment and you will receive access to schedules, materials and joining details. Talk to a learning advisor if you need help choosing.

    What delivery formats are available?

    The course is available as live virtual instructor-led training, classroom training and onsite corporate delivery. Choose the format that fits your schedule and team across South Africa.

    Can this be delivered onsite at our plant?

    Yes. Onsite delivery lets your team apply waste-identification and Lean tool exercises to your own production area during the session, which makes the learning stick. Request corporate training to arrange it.

    When can I start?

    New live virtual and classroom sessions run regularly, and onsite dates are scheduled around your team's availability. See upcoming schedules or ask an advisor about the next available cohort.

    Can I reschedule my booking?

    Yes. Flexible rescheduling options are available on selected plans. Contact our support team to move your booking to another session.