Lean thinking presented at tool and die seminar

Mark Doman presents at Lean tool and die seminar.

The Oakland University Pawley Lean Institute, in collaboration with the Center for Integrative Research and Education (CIBRE) and OU-Macomb, held a two-day seminar on Lean Thinking May 21 and 22 for the tool and die industry.

The training was led by Mark Doman, special instructor of Human Resource Development at Oakland University, and Paula Winkler-Doman, former vice president and plant manager of Visteon Co. Ms. Winkler-Doman has formerly taught in the HRD and MBA programs at OU.

According to Doman, the goal of the presentation was to develop and deliver a targeted Lean seminar that would help those in attendance improve their business.

Topics covered included: an overview of Lean, action plan for Lean improvement as well as Lean tools, techniques, exercises and resources.

“Lean can be applied to any type of industry,” Winkler-Doman said. “This program was developed specifically for the tool and die industry, but the principles of Lean can be applied to many areas.”

At the end of the first day, both presenters reported a lot of positive feedback from participants. Doman stated there was a diverse, very engaged group of participants, and involvement was high.

“[The training] was very informational. The activities were fun and motivational; I learned a lot about Lean,” said attendee Tisha Holdwick.

The participants, both trainers said, had varying degrees of experience in Lean systems, and the training aimed to offer information for everyone -- from those with no experience to those very familiar with Lean.

“Lean is a journey,” said Winkler-Doman on why this program is helpful to individuals on various ends of the spectrum of Lean experience. “It’s continuous improvement.”

For more information about Lean and the Pawley Lean Institute, visit www.oakland.edu/lean.