Manufacturing Excellence Certificate
Improve Manufacturing Performance with Data-Driven and Continuous Improvement Methods
Learn from experienced manufacturing professionals while building expertise in process improvement, manufacturing systems design, Quick Response Manufacturing (QRM), data analytics, and lead time reduction. Courses are offered in a mix of in-person, live online, and on-demand formats to fit your schedule. Register for the certificate to save 10% on program courses.
What You Will Learn
- Analyze manufacturing problems using data analysis, artificial intelligence, and design of experiments to identify root causes and improve process performances
- Apply Lean principles, 5S, maintenance practices, and project management to improve flow, eliminate waste, and reduce lead timese
- Design and improve manufacturing systems using systems thinking and modern manufacturing technologies
- Use QRM, project management, and smart manufacturing tools to improve operational responsiveness
Who Should Enroll
- Manufacturing and industrial engineers
- Manufacturing operations, quality, and continuous improvement professionals
- Operations supervisors, production managers, and manufacturing project leaders
- Supply chain and manufacturing systems professionals
- Professionals leading Lean, operational excellence, or smart manufacturing intitiatves
About the Certificate
Take 4 Live (Synchronous) Courses
Leading Change: People, Process, and Purpose
Oct. 14-16, 2026 - Live Online (E220) - $1,995
Decisionmaking as a Competitive Advantage: Choosing by Advantages (CBA)
Nov. 4-5, 2026 - Madison, WI (E103) - $1,495
Continuous Improvement - From Symptoms to Solutions
Dec. 2-3, 2026 - Live Online (E236) - $1,495
QRM Foundation: Implementing QRM for Time-Based Competitiveness
Jan. 26-28, 2027 - Live Online (E228) - $1,995
Apr. 20-22, 2027 - Live Online (E416) - $1,995
Aug. 17-19, 2027 - Live Online (E417) - $1,995
Dec. 8-10, 2027 - Live Online (E418) - $1,995
Data Analytics for Technical Leaders
Feb. 22-25, 2027 - Live Online (E198) - $1,495
Operational Excellence - Strategies for Transforming Manufacturing Performance
Feb. 23-24, 2027 - Live Online (E235) - $1,495
Effectively Managing Technical Teams
May 12-14, 2027 - Madison, WI (E185) - $1,995
Take 4 Self-Paced (Asynchronous) Courses
3D Printing: An Introduction to Additive Manufacturing
Online: Anytime (E256) - $295
Continuous Improvement
Online: Anytime (E341) - $295
Design of Experiments
Online: Anytime (E342) - $295
Manufacturing Systems and Design
Online: Anytime (E340) - $295
Supply Chain Management
Online: Anytime (E347) - $295
Technical Project Management
Online: Anytime (E253) - $295
Certificate requirements
- 4 required courses
- 4 elective, self-paced (asynchronous) online courses
- Manufacturing Excellence Reflection: a written assessment applying knowledge from core concepts
Save 10% on Certificate Courses
Register for the certificate to receive program updates and a 10% discount on all courses. There is no cost to register.
Questions about fit or requirements? Contact the Program Director: Dr. James Rink
Center for Quick Response Manufacturing
The Center for Quick Response Manufacturing is a partnership between the University of Wisconsin-Madison and industry, focused on implementing and advancing lead time reduction principles through Quick Response Manufacturing.
| Upcoming Courses | September | October | November | December | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3D Printing: An Introduction to Additive Manufacturing | Online Anytime E256 | |||||||||||
| Continuous Improvement | Online Anytime E341 | |||||||||||
| Continuous Improvement - From Symptoms to Solutions | 12/2-12/3 Live Online E236 | |||||||||||
| Data Analytics for Technical Leaders | 2/22-2/25 Live Online E198 | |||||||||||
| Decisionmaking as a Competitive Advantage: Choosing by Advantages (CBA) | 11/4-11/5 Face-to-Face E103 | |||||||||||
| Design of Experiments | Online Anytime E342 | |||||||||||
| Effectively Managing Technical Teams | 5/12-5/14 Face-to-Face E185 | |||||||||||
| Leading Change: People, Process, and Purpose | 10/14-10/16 Live Online E220 | |||||||||||
| Manufacturing Systems and Design | Online Anytime E340 | |||||||||||
| Operational Excellence - Strategies for Transforming Manufacturing Performance | 2/23-2/24 Live Online E235 | |||||||||||
| QRM Foundation: Implementing QRM for Time-Based Competitiveness | 1/26-1/28 Live Online E228 | 4/20-4/22 Live Online E416 | 8/17-8/19 Live Online E417 | |||||||||
| Supply Chain Management | Online Anytime E347 | |||||||||||
| Technical Project Management | Online Anytime E253 | |||||||||||
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Courses may be taken in any order as they become available.
Most participants complete the certificate within 2 to 4 years, depending on individual schedules and course availability.
Yes. Participants receive Continuing Education Units (CEUs) upon successful completion of each course.
Yes. If you have already completed one of the required or elective courses, it may count toward the certificate requirements. Contact the Program Director to confirm eligibility and apply previously completed coursework to the program.
Yes. Organizations that plan to enroll multiple employees may be eligible for group discounts or employer billing arrangements. Contact the Program Director to discuss options for supporting professional development across your team.
The Quick Response Manufacturing (QRM) Certificate has been incorporated into the Manufacturing Excellence Certificate. Participants interested in developing deeper expertise in QRM can complete QRM Foundation: Implementing QRM for Time-Based Competitiveness while also building broader competencies in operational excellence, manufacturing systems, technical leadership, and related manufacturing disciplines.
Previously completed QRM Certificate coursework will be applied toward the Manufacturing Excellence Certificate. Current QRM Certificate participants have been grandfathered into the Manufacturing Excellence Certificate and will receive individualized guidance regarding their remaining certificate requirements. Contact the Program Director if you have questions about your specific situation.
Take the Next Step
Complete the form to learn more about certificate requirements, eligible courses, and upcoming offerings.
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