Manufacturing Systems and Design

This course introduces engineers to the diverse landscape of manufacturing systems, highlighting the strengths and applications of each. Participants will gain fluency in key industry terminology and performance metrics such as cycle time, utilization, and work in process. By connecting system design with continuous improvement strategies like Lean, QRM, and Theory of Constraints, engineers will be prepared to make data-driven decisions that enhance efficiency and responsiveness.

Learning Outcomes:

Compare and evaluate different manufacturing systems and their strategic applications.
Calculate and interpret key performance metrics using tools like Little’s Law.
Apply continuous improvement frameworks to optimize manufacturing system design.

Who Should Attend:

Manufacturing and industrial engineers involved in process design or optimization.
Operations managers and production supervisors seeking system-level insights.
Engineering consultants and analysts focused on performance improvement.

Course Details: RA01823-D893

Course Outline

1 – Manufacturing strategy and types of manufacturing systems

2 – Key metrics for manufacturing systems

3 – Bottlenecks, batching & Little’s Law

4 – Line balancing & cellular manufacturing

5 – Introduction to Lean, Theory of Constraints and Quick Response Manufacturing

Course Schedule

Instructor and Program Director

Instructor
Charlene Yauch
Director, QRM Center
Charlene A. Yauch, Ph.D., P.E., has been an engineering educator for over 20 years at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) and Oklahoma State University. Her notable honors include five teaching awards and a National Science Foundation Career grant. She has taught a wide variety of classes, including Manufacturing Systems Design & Analysis, Materials & Manufacturing Processes, Computer Numerical Control Machining, Automation Technologies, and Engineering Economy.
Her professional interests relate to the implementation of manufacturing system improvements, such as Quick Response, Lean, and Agile Manufacturing, with emphasis on the human, social, and organizational aspects. Prior to her doctoral degree, she worked in industry for six years, performing a wide variety of tasks for manufacturing firms, including simulation modeling, facility layout, and process improvement. She has also advised numerous student projects related to manufacturing system improvement. Dr. Yauch has a multi-disciplinary educational background with a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Purdue University, and graduate degrees in sociology (M.S.), manufacturing systems engineering (M.S.), and industrial engineering (Ph.D.) from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Program Director
Susan Ottmann

Total Credits:

CEU .3,

PDH 3,

Applies to this Certificate:

Manufacturing Excellence,

Course Administration

Fee Information

Fee covers course materials and online instruction.

Payment Options

If you are planning to attend an Interdisciplinary Professional Programs course, payment is required at the time of registration. Below are the payment options:

Pay by Credit Card

Enroll online and pay by credit card.

Search for the course on the website and then click on the Enroll Now button from the course webpage.
Enter all necessary course attendee information and payment information on the course enrollment page.
You will receive an email to confirm successful enrollment and payment.

Enroll over the phone and pay by credit card.

Call CERC Registrations at 608-262-2451.
Provide the registrations representative with:
- the course name, dates, and/or course number.
- the necessary course attendee information and payment information.
You will receive either a mailed document or an email to confirm successful enrollment payment.

Pay by Check

Mail in a completed registration form and check payable to UW Madison.

Fill out a registration form (found either in the back of the course brochure you received in the mail or here).
Prepare a check, made payable to UW Madison.
Mail the registration form and check to: CERC Registrations 21 N Park St, Ste 7101 Madison, WI 53715
You will receive either a mailed document or an email to confirm successful enrollment and payment.

Pay by Purchase Order

Request Purchase Order information from registration@cerc.wisc.edu
- If a fee quote is needed, contact custserv@interpro.wisc.edu first
You will receive an invoice from UW–Madison Business Services for payment, usually within 3–5 business days

Military

If using SF-182 form, please call our registration number at 608-262-2451 or email registration@cerc.wisc.edu for details and instructions.

Event Cancellation

We reserve the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or unforeseen events. If we cancel a course, participants will be notified via email or phone and will be given the option for a full refund or to transfer their registration and any fees paid to another course. We are not responsible for non-refundable plane tickets, hotel reservations, and other travel related expenses. For enrollee Course Cancellation, refer to notes on course page.

Cancellation Policy

Once you have accessed the online course materials, no cancellations or refunds are permitted.

Create a custom learning experience

We can deliver this course as an on-site learning experience tailored to your organization’s specific training needs.

Manufacturing Systems and Design

Learning Outcomes:

Who Should Attend:

Stay Connected

Course Details: RA01823-D893

Course Outline

Course Schedule

Instructor and Program Director

Course Administration

Fee Information

Payment Options

Pay by Credit Card

Enroll online and pay by credit card.

Enroll over the phone and pay by credit card.

Pay by Check

Mail in a completed registration form and check payable to UW Madison.

Pay by Purchase Order

Military

Event Cancellation

Cancellation Policy

Create a custom learning experience

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Manufacturing Systems and Design