Course Overview

    Overview

    Course Highlights

    Eligibility Criteria

    Benefits

    What Is Lean and Why It Matters to Chinese EmployersA Practical Grounding in Lean Thinking

    Lean Fundamentals Training in China gives professionals a clear, practical introduction to Lean management and the thinking behind the world's most efficient factories. The Lean Fundamentals Training course traces Lean back to the Toyota Production System developed by Taiichi Ohno and Shigeo Shingo, then shows you how to put it to work. Over one focused day you learn the five Lean principles set out by Womack and Jones in Lean Thinking, how to recognise the eight wastes captured by the DOWNTIME acronym, and how core tools like 5S, Value Stream Mapping, Kanban, standard work and Kaizen remove waste and improve flow. Examples span manufacturing, healthcare, financial services and IT, so the ideas apply wherever you work. As China's plants move towards smart, high-efficiency production, a shared Lean vocabulary has become a genuine workplace asset. Whether you are on the shop floor, in quality, or leading a team, this training gives you tools you can use straight away. Start your Lean journey with Invensis Learning.

    What Is Lean and Why It Matters to Chinese EmployersA Practical Grounding in Lean Thinking

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    Key Highlightsof the Lean Fundamentals Training Course

    Lean Fundamentals Training Eligibility in the ChinaWho Can Enroll?

    What You Gain from Lean Fundamentals TrainingValue for You and Your Organisation

    Your Lean Career Outlook in ChinaRoles, Demand and Sectors Hiring Now

    Lean skills, built through Lean Fundamentals training, open a clear career path across China's vast manufacturing and service economy. As factories adopt smart, high-efficiency production under the country's manufacturing upgrade drive, employers in automotive, electronics, appliances and logistics increasingly value people who can identify waste and improve flow. Demand runs from production supervisors and continuous improvement engineers up to operational excellence and plant managers, and here is what the market is telling us right now.

    Why Lean Skills Are in Demand Across Chinese Industry

    Lean Fundamentals is the shared starting point for waste elimination and continuous improvement. Give your team the mindset and tools to lift efficiency across every process. Begin today.

    Your China Career Transformation

    Where You Stand Today,

    And Where Lean Skills Take You

    China's manufacturers and service firms are racing to cut waste and lift efficiency, and they increasingly value people who can lead that work. Here is how a grounding in Lean changes your standing at work.

    Sources: PayScale, Morgan McKinley, SalaryExpert (China) 2026.

    Module 1: Introduction

    • Exploring the foundational principles and purpose of Lean as a methodology for eliminating waste and improving operational efficiency across manufacturing and service environments
    • Understanding the origins of Lean thinking and how Lean principles were developed and refined through the Toyota Production System and subsequent global applications
    • Examining the linkage between Lean and Six Sigma and how the two disciplines complement each other within broader operational excellence and continuous improvement programs
    • Reviewing the structure and objectives of the Lean Fundamentals course and establishing a framework for understanding how each module connects within the overall Lean methodology

    Module 2: Lean Mentality / Muda (Waste) Elimination

    • Understanding the concept of the hidden factory and the hidden office, and how non-value-adding activities consume resources without contributing to customer value in both manufacturing and administrative environments
    • Exploring the seven types of waste in Lean, including overproduction, waiting, transportation, over-processing, inventory, motion, and defects, and how each type manifests across different operational contexts
    • Developing the skills to identify waste within processes through systematic observation, process analysis, and the application of Lean waste identification tools
    • Learning the strategies and principles used to eliminate or reduce waste once identified, and the role of cultural and behavioral change in sustaining waste reduction over time

    Module 3: Mapping the Value Stream

    • Understanding the purpose and methodology of value stream mapping as a tool for visualizing the complete flow of materials and information required to deliver a product or service to the customer
    • Exploring different types of value stream maps, including current-state maps that document existing processes and future-state maps that define the improved process design
    • Learning how to create and interpret value stream maps to identify areas of waste, delay, and inefficiency within a process and to prioritize improvement actions
    • Understanding how value stream mapping provides the analytical foundation for planning and executing Lean improvement events and targeted process changes

    Module 4: Lean Events

    • Exploring the Kaizen event as a focused, team-based improvement activity designed to achieve significant process change within a short and defined timeframe
    • Understanding the structure and stages of a standard five-day Kaizen event, from preparation and scoping through to execution, solution testing, and results presentation
    • Learning how to plan and run shorter Lean events when the scope or available time requires a condensed improvement activity without sacrificing rigor or impact
    • Developing the facilitation and team management skills needed to lead Lean events effectively and ensure that improvement gains are sustained after the event concludes

    Module 5: Constraints

    • Understanding the concept of process constraints and how bottlenecks in process flow limit the throughput, efficiency, and capacity of the entire value stream
    • Learning systematic approaches for identifying constraints within a process, including observation-based methods, data analysis, and value stream review techniques
    • Exploring strategies for addressing bottlenecks, including process redesign, resource reallocation, workload balancing, and targeted improvement activities
    • Understanding the relationship between constraint management and broader Lean improvement efforts, and how resolving bottlenecks contributes to overall flow and value stream performance

    Module 6: Flow and Takt Time

    • Exploring the principle of flow in Lean and how continuous, uninterrupted movement of work through the value stream minimizes waiting, batching, and inventory accumulation
    • Understanding Takt time as the rate at which products or services must be produced to match customer demand, and how Takt time is calculated and applied in process design
    • Learning how to use Takt time as a planning tool to set the rhythm of production flow and ensure that process capacity is aligned to actual customer demand
    • Examining the relationship between flow, Takt time, and the broader Lean goal of delivering value to the customer efficiently, consistently, and without waste

    Module 7: Pull Systems and Kanban

    • Understanding the principles of pull-based production, in which work is initiated by actual customer demand rather than forecast-driven schedules or upstream production push
    • Exploring the Kanban system as a simple and visual method for signaling demand and controlling the flow of work, materials, and information through a process
    • Learning how to design and implement a basic Kanban system, including the selection of signal types, determination of replenishment quantities, and establishment of workflow rules
    • Understanding how pull systems and Kanban reduce overproduction, excess inventory, and lead time while improving process responsiveness to changing customer demand

    Module 8: 5S Implementation

    • Exploring the five elements of 5S, including Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain, and how each element contributes to a safe, organized, and efficient workplace
    • Learning the systematic approach to implementing 5S across a work area or department, from initial assessment and Sort activities through to the development of standardized procedures and audit routines
    • Understanding how 5S creates the physical and organizational foundation that Lean tools and improvement activities require to function effectively and sustainably
    • Developing the skills to sustain 5S gains over time through visual management, regular audits, team accountability, and the integration of 5S standards into daily work habits

    Module 9: Lean Management Principles

    • Understanding the key principles of Lean management and how they guide the implementation and ongoing operation of Lean systems within organizations
    • Exploring the leadership behaviors, management practices, and organizational structures that enable Lean to move from a set of tools to a sustained operational discipline
    • Learning how to develop and communicate a Lean implementation strategy that aligns improvement activities with organizational goals, resource availability, and process maturity
    • Understanding the role of performance measurement, visual management, and continuous review in sustaining Lean improvements and building a long-term culture of operational excellence

    Course Curriculumof the Lean Fundamentals Training

    This online Lean Fundamentals training course is structured across nine modules that progress from the foundational principles and mentality of Lean through to the full suite of practical tools and management principles that enable organizations to implement and sustain operational excellence. Each module builds on the previous one to ensure participants develop a coherent and comprehensive understanding of Lean as both a philosophy and a practical improvement discipline. The curriculum is suitable for professionals across operations, quality, manufacturing, and process improvement roles, and is designed to connect directly to the Lean implementation challenges faced by organizations across the China.

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    What You Will Gain from This Lean ProgrammeSkills You Can Apply from Day One

    This programme turns Lean theory into skills you can use immediately. By the end of the day you can identify waste, apply the five Lean principles, and use core Lean tools to improve the processes you work with every day.

    Spot the Eight Wastes with DOWNTIME

    Learn to identify Defects, Overproduction, Waiting, Non-utilised talent, Transportation, Inventory, Motion and Extra processing in any process, and classify activities as value-adding or waste.

    Apply the Five Lean Principles

    Use Identify Value, Map the Value Stream, Create Flow, Establish Pull and Seek Perfection as a practical framework to improve any workflow from the customer's point of view.

    Organise Any Workspace with 5S

    Apply Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardise and Sustain to create a clean, orderly and efficient workplace that makes problems visible and supports safety and quality.

    Build Flow and Pull with Kanban

    Understand push versus pull production and use Kanban signals and standard work to smooth flow, cap work in progress and produce to real customer demand.

    Drive Improvement with Kaizen and PDCA

    Run small, continuous improvements using the Kaizen mindset and the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle, and see how Gemba walks and visual management sustain the gains.

    Read a Value Stream Map

    Interpret a current-state value stream map to see lead time, value-added time and waste across an end-to-end process, and understand where flow breaks down.

    Who Should TakeLean Fundamentals Training in China?

    Team Leaders

    Business Analysts

    Operations Managers

    Project Managers

    Manufacturing Engineers

    Production Supervisors

    Process Improvement Managers

    Quality Assurance Specialists

    Who Can Take This Certification Training

    Lean Fundamentals 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 through the best Lean Fundamentals online training options available.

    Lean Fundamentals 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

    CNY 2980

    Attend fully interactive weekend Lean Fundamentals training sessions from anywhere while benefiting from real-time instructor guidance and collaborative learning experiences.

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

    Lean Fundamentals 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 Fundamentals training format 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 Fundamentals 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 that want to build capabilities at scale, standardize knowledge, and support workforce development through customized team learning initiatives and Lean Fundamentals training for companies.

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

    Lean Fundamentals 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 delivered by the Lean Fundamentals training company.

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

    Lean Fundamentals Live Virtual Training

    Lean Fundamentals 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

    CNY 2980

    Please Note: Attend fully interactive weekend Lean Fundamentals training sessions from anywhere while benefiting from real-time instructor guidance and collaborative learning experiences.

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

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    Why Choose Invensis Learning in ChinaPractical, Expert-Led and Trusted

    Invensis Learning is a trusted Lean Fundamentals training company in China. We deliver structured Lean Fundamentals training for individual professionals and organisations across China that want to build practical improvement capability. Our programmes combine experienced trainers, real-world examples, organised courseware and learner-focused support. Whether you enrol as an individual or plan group training for your team, you get a professional learning experience built around practical understanding and real workplace application.

    • Experienced trainers with real Lean and operational excellence expertise
    • Flexible formats: live virtual, classroom and corporate on-site
    • Practical, exercise-led sessions focused on workplace application
    • Structured courseware and learning resources for every module
    • Support for learners before, during and after the training
    • ISO 9001:2015 certified quality management systems
    • ISO 27001:2022 certified information security
    • Trusted by professionals and teams across 100+ countries

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    Flexible Learning Modes

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    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

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    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 Fundamentals Training Locations in ChinaInstructor-led in-person Classroom training is available for group batches. All other public cohorts are delivered as Instructor-led Live Virtual. See available cohorts.

    Lean Fundamentals Training Location in China

    Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing Beijing, No. 269 Wangfujing Street, Beijing, China, 100006

    Lean Fundamentals Training Location in China

    Atlantis Sanya, 9P5R+4Q6, North Haitang Bei Road, Sanya, China, 572013

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    Corporate Lean Training in ChinaBuild a Lean Culture at Scale

    • A shared Lean foundation for whole teams and departments
    • Flexible on-site, live virtual or blended delivery across China
    • Schedules aligned with shift patterns and team availability
    • Role and industry-relevant waste and improvement examples
    • Scalable delivery for single sites or multi-plant groups
    • Dedicated coordination and learner support throughout
    • A strong first step before deeper Lean or Six Sigma training

    Trusted by Leading Manufacturers

    BYDHaierMideaGeelyFoxconnCATL

    What Our Learners Say

    Lean Ideas I Could Use Straight Away

    "The waste-identification exercises made everything click. Within a week I had run a 5S on my line and cut the time we spent looking for tools. The trainer used real factory examples that matched my day-to-day work."

    Zhang Wei

    Continuous Improvement Engineer

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    Flow and Kanban Finally Made Sense

    "I finally understood pull versus push and how Kanban keeps work in progress under control. The session on flow helped me smooth out a bottleneck on my shift that had frustrated us for months."

    Li Na

    Production Supervisor

    0/0

    A Solid Grounding in the Essentials

    "A clear, practical introduction to Lean. The DOWNTIME framework gave me a simple way to talk about waste with my team, and the PDCA cycle is now part of how we approach quality problems."

    Chen Jie

    Quality Engineer

    0/0

    A Shared Language Across Our Teams

    "We trained three shifts through this course and it gave everyone the same Lean vocabulary. Improvement discussions are faster now because people share the language and the tools. A great first step for our programme."

    Huang Min

    Operations Director, Electronics Manufacturing

    0/0

    A Confident Start to Our Lean Rollout

    "We used the corporate on-site format to kick off our operational excellence drive. The trainer tailored the examples to automotive, and the 5S and standard work sessions landed well on the shop floor. Strong value for a team investment."

    Zhao Lei

    Plant Manager, Automotive Supplier

    0/0



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

    Lean Fundamentals Training is a one-day introductory course that builds a practical foundation in Lean management. It covers the origins of Lean in the Toyota Production System, the five Lean principles, the eight wastes (DOWNTIME) and core tools such as 5S, Value Stream Mapping, Kanban, standard work and Kaizen, with examples from manufacturing and services.

    General

    What is the Lean Fundamentals Training course?

    Lean Fundamentals Training is a one-day introductory course that builds a practical foundation in Lean management. It covers the origins of Lean in the Toyota Production System, the five Lean principles, the eight wastes (DOWNTIME) and core tools such as 5S, Value Stream Mapping, Kanban, standard work and Kaizen, with examples from manufacturing and services.

    Who should attend Lean Fundamentals training in China?

    The training suits all employees, team members, supervisors, managers and professionals across every industry and function. It is especially valuable for teams starting a Lean or operational excellence programme, and for anyone in China's manufacturing, quality or operations roles who wants to understand Lean and apply it.

    Is Lean Fundamentals training worth it?

    Yes. You gain practical skills you can use immediately to spot waste and improve flow, plus a shared Lean vocabulary that employers increasingly expect. As China's factories move towards smart, high-efficiency production, this foundation supports growth into continuous improvement and operational excellence roles.

    Do I need any prior experience to join?

    No. The course has no prerequisites and is open to everyone, regardless of prior Lean knowledge or industry background. It introduces every Lean principle and tool from first principles, so beginners and experienced staff can both take part with confidence.

    Which framework is the course based on?

    The course is grounded in the Toyota Production System and the five Lean principles codified by James Womack and Daniel Jones in Lean Thinking (1996). It covers the JIT and Jidoka pillars, Muda, Mura and Muri, and the DOWNTIME wastes as the foundation of modern Lean practice.

    Pricing

    How much does Lean Fundamentals training cost in China?

    Pricing is available on request and varies by delivery mode, group size and schedule. Corporate on-site delivery for larger teams is quoted separately. Request a quote and a learning advisor will share the options that fit your needs.

    What is included in the course fee?

    The fee covers instructor-led delivery of all six modules, hands-on waste-identification and 5S exercises, real-world case study discussions, learning materials, and a course completion record from Invensis Learning. Ask about the current inclusions when you request a quote.

    Do you offer group or corporate rates?

    Yes. Lean Fundamentals is frequently delivered as a corporate on-site programme to large employee groups, with pricing based on team size and format. It is often the most cost-effective way to give a whole site the same Lean foundation. Contact us for a group quote.

    What payment options are available?

    We accept major credit and debit cards and bank transfers, and offer flexible options on selected plans. Speak with a learning advisor to choose the arrangement that suits you or your organisation.

    Is the course better value as team training?

    Often, yes. Training a whole team together gives everyone the same Lean language on the same day, which makes every later improvement effort faster. For sites rolling out Lean, corporate delivery usually offers the best value. Ask about group pricing.

    Assessment

    How is my learning checked during the course?

    Learning is reinforced through waste-identification exercises, case study discussions and team activities during the day, rather than a formal test. You apply Lean concepts to realistic scenarios as you go, so you leave able to use the tools in your own work.

    Does this course award a formal qualification?

    No. This is a non-certification skills course, so there is no awarding body or credential. You receive a course completion record from Invensis Learning that confirms your participation and the Lean knowledge you have gained.

    Will this prepare me for Lean Six Sigma later?

    Yes. Lean Fundamentals is an ideal foundation before Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt or Green Belt study, and before Lean Manufacturing, Value Stream Mapping or Kaizen training. It gives you the Lean concepts and vocabulary that those deeper programmes build on.

    How will I apply what I learn back at work?

    You can start straight away by running a waste walk in your area, identifying your top wastes, applying 5S to your workspace, and using the PDCA cycle for a small improvement. The course ends with practical next steps so you leave ready to act.

    How long does the training take?

    The programme runs for one day (8 hours), covering all six modules with concept explanations, real-world examples and hands-on exercises. It can also be delivered as two half-day sessions of four hours each, depending on the schedule.

    Course Content

    What will I learn in Lean Fundamentals training?

    You learn the origins of Lean, the five Lean principles, the eight wastes (DOWNTIME), and core tools including 5S, an introduction to Value Stream Mapping, Kanban, standard work and visual management. You also cover Kaizen, the PDCA cycle and how Lean applies across industries.

    Which Lean tools does the course cover?

    The course covers 5S workplace organisation, an introduction to Value Stream Mapping, pull systems and Kanban, standard work, visual management, and the Kaizen and PDCA continuous improvement cycle. Each tool is explained with practical examples you can relate to your own role.

    Is the course relevant outside manufacturing?

    Yes. Lean principles apply wherever processes exist, so the course draws examples from healthcare, financial services, logistics, IT and government as well as manufacturing. The waste, flow and improvement tools transfer to any industry or function.

    Are there hands-on exercises in the training?

    Yes. The day includes a waste-identification exercise that classifies activities into the eight DOWNTIME categories, a value stream mapping reading activity, and a 5S workplace assessment. These practical exercises help you apply Lean concepts to realistic scenarios.

    Is the courseware based on the latest Lean thinking?

    Yes. The content reflects established Lean management practice, rooted in the Toyota Production System and the five Lean principles from Womack and Jones' Lean Thinking, including the modern eight-waste (DOWNTIME) model used across industry today.

    Enrollment

    How do I enrol in Lean Fundamentals training in China?

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

    What delivery formats are available?

    The course is available as online (live virtual) instructor-led training, classroom training, and corporate on-site delivery for teams. You can choose the format that best fits your schedule and location across China.

    Is the course available online across China?

    Yes. You can take the Lean Fundamentals course online through live virtual, instructor-led sessions that let professionals across China join from any location with real-time trainer interaction, exercises and discussion. It offers the same practical content as classroom delivery with added flexibility.

    Can you train our whole team on-site?

    Yes. Corporate on-site delivery brings the training to your site anywhere in China, with schedules aligned to your shifts and examples tailored to your industry. It is a popular way to give a whole team or site the same Lean foundation. Request a group quote.

    Can I reschedule my booking?

    Yes. Rescheduling is handled per our published policy, and flexible options are available on selected plans. Contact our support team and they will help you move to a suitable batch.