Free Online Principles of Lean Overview Course

August 10, 2026

by Sydney Smith

Do you want to refresh or build your Lean knowledge? Begin with a free trial from Michigan Engineering Professional Education’s online Enterprise Excellence program. With this free trial, you can earn a digital badge for the Principles of Lean Overview course at no cost. This course provides a preview of what you can expect from the full Enterprise Excellence program.

Why Enterprise Excellence?

Navigating the complexities of modern business can be challenging. Organizations have to prioritize continuous growth and improvement to be successful. This involves creating comprehensive strategies that align people, processes, and systems. Enterprise excellence empowers you to unify your organization, establish a people-centric management system, and integrate sustainable practices for long-term growth. By focusing on continuous improvement, your organization can prepare members to handle change, enhance processes, and solve problems effectively.

Continuous improvement and Lean expert Drew Locher has crafted a series of online courses to help professionals master concepts that promote enterprise excellence. The self-paced courses offer flexible learning to participants with various experience levels. You can choose to build a comprehensive understanding, fill in any knowledge gaps, or explore different perspectives on familiar topics. Each course contains 4-6 hours of online instruction. Current course topics are as follows:

  • Principles of Lean Overview
  • Lean Management System
  • Value Stream Mapping 
  • Standard Work
  • Workplace Organization
  • A3 Storyboards
  • The ABCs of Improvement
  • Continuous Flow Processing
  • Creating Visual Systems
  • Strategic Planning & Deployment
  • Leading Enterprise Excellence

How can you earn your free badge?

If you are curious about exploring the program, now is the time to check it out. You can participate in a free, 60-day trial of the Principles of Lean Overview course. The course explores the fundamental concepts of value creation, waste reduction, problem solving, and process improvement. In addition, this course will allow learners to explore essential topics such as:

  • Standardized Work 
  • Quality at the Source
  • Visual Management 
  • Continuous Flow
  • Pull Systems
  • Quick Changeover
  • Total Productive Maintenance
 

You can sign up for the free trial on the program page by selecting the Principles of Lean Overview course during registration. No code is required. The free promotional price is available now through October 10, 2026.

What are your next steps?

After you complete the free course, you decide your next steps. You can enroll in additional courses within the Enterprise Excellence program to continue learning about operational excellence and continuous improvement. Alternatively, you can explore our variety of other professional development courses to discover options that align with your professional and organizational goals.