Intermediate~ Archives

16Aug 2026 by Jennifer Ayers

Foundational AI for CI Professionals

Application~, Igniting Innovation~, Intermediate~

From First Prompt to Standard Work This six-module virtual workshop is for people focusing on process improvements in their organization and want to use AI tools the right way, not just poke around and hope for good results. You'll start by learning how AI language models actually work and what makes them useful (or not) for your work. From there, you'll build your own simple, reusable files that AI can use to help with the recurring CI tasks you already do, like writing reports, standardizing templates, or summarizing data. Think of it as building standard work for AI collaboration: a repeatable process with built-in checks, so you can trust the results. Everything is taught through hands-on exercises based on real CI work, not abstract AI theory. Learning Outcomes By the…

01Jun 2026 by Jennifer Ayers

Foundational AI for CI Professionals | Sept 21-Oct 8 (FULL)

Application~, Beginner~, Classes, Igniting Innovation~, Intermediate~

From Prompt to Standard Work Note: This class is full, reach out to be added to the waitlist so we can evaluate holding another class. This six-module virtual workshop is for people focusing on process improvements in their organization and want to use AI tools the right way, not just poke around and hope for good results. You'll start by learning how AI language models actually work and what makes them useful (or not) for your work. From there, you'll build your own simple, reusable files that AI can use to help with the recurring CI tasks you already do, like writing reports, standardizing templates, or summarizing data. Think of it as building standard work for AI collaboration: a repeatable process with built-in checks, so you can trust the results.…

14Apr 2025 by Jennifer Ayers

Process Analysis Deep Dive – May 6-22nd (FULL)

Application~, Classes, Intermediate~, Solving Problems~

In the early 20th Century the job of process improvement was limited to a handful of industrial engineering specialists. They studied the work, organized the jobs, and told everyone else how it should be done. Today, however, we want as many people as possible - especially our front line leaders - to fully participate in process improvement; not only to help improve the work, but to develop as leaders. With these skills they can turn their challenges into meaningful action. In this course we will focus on the first critical steps of this process, "Grasp the Current Condition." This is a hands-on practicum over six sessions. In each session we will introduce a new topic, answer questions, and assign a task or exercise that deepens your understanding of that step or…

14Apr 2025 by Jennifer Ayers

Building Your Lean Management System – April 2, 16, & 30th (FULL)

Application~, Deploying Strategy~, Developing People~, Events, Intermediate~

Reach out if you want to join the waitlist. Join us for this 12-hour Lean Management System workshop, spread out over five weeks to provide a fully immersive experience where you design your pilot program, tweak, or revamp your existing LMS. Summary Most initial attempts at lean and continuous improvement focus on tools and improvement events (aka kaizen events). Unfortunately, after a while, people notice that the “lean journey” has lost most of its momentum, energy, engagement, focus, and breakthrough results. The lean management system (LMS) is a framework for building a culture of continuous improvement and shared learning. Its focus is on developing people to solve problems to improve performance. In this environment, improvement is not driven by a few lean champions but by everyone. Now everyone has a…

25Feb 2025 by Jennifer Ayers

Value Stream Mapping Workshop – April 8 & 10th (FULL)

Application~, Events, Intermediate~

This 2-day workshop is beneficial for those looking to learn how to document, analyze and improve the flow of information or materials required to produce a product or service for a customer. While analyzing one of Tosoh Quartz value streams, following a part from order start to order ship, participants will document the current state, identify and document a future state, and create specific steps to help Tosoh Quartz move toward their ideal future state. Don't miss this excellent opportunity to learn and practice one of the foundational Lean tools (and one of the lean principles - Map the Value Stream). Key Concepts:• Understand how to see the flow of value across a value stream• Visualize functional areas of work and how they interact• Identify waiting and waste in workflows•…

22Dec 2024 by Jennifer Ayers

Value Stream Mapping Workshop – Jan 7,9,14,16 (1/2 days, in person) FULL

Application~, Classes, Intermediate~

Availability: FULL; reach out to be placed on the waitlist This 16-hour workshop is beneficial for those looking to learn how to document, analyze and improve the flow of information or materials required to produce a product or service for a customer. While analyzing one of Stumptown Coffee Roaster’s value streams, participants will document the current state, identify and document a future state, and create specific steps to help Stumptown move toward their ideal future state. This is an excellent opportunity to learn and practice one of the key Lean tools. The focus of the VSM will be order to shipment of one of their product lines. Key Concepts:• Understand how to see the flow of value across a value stream• Visualize functional areas of work and how they interact•…

28May 2024 by Jennifer Ayers

Value Stream Mapping

Application~, Foundational~, Intermediate~

This two-day class is beneficial for those looking to learn how to document, analyze and improve the flow of information or materials required to produce a product or service for a customer. We will be mapping a process chosen by our host company, this is not a simulation. This can be applied in manufacturing, office, or service. Key Concepts: Understand how to see the flow of value across a value stream Visualize functional areas of work and how they interact Identify waiting and waste in workflows Resolve misperceptions across different departments Build a description of your desired future state and determine the next best step to get there Pre-requisite: Completion of the Introduction to Lean/Lean 101 class or a similar class/experience is required. Audience: Learners with some lean background and knowledge of…

Category: Intermediate~