Reduce Lead Times and Improve Manufacturing Responsiveness
Learn from experienced practitioners while building expertise in Quick Response Manufacturing (QRM), lead time reduction, and time-based competitiveness. Courses are offered primarily online, with select in-person options, to fit your schedule. Register for the certificate to save 10% on program courses..
What You Will Learn
- Identify sources of long lead times in manufacturing and organizational processes
- Apply QRM principles to improve responsiveness across production and supply chain operations
- Design processes and organizational structures that support faster response times
- Use QRM metrics to evaluate lead times and guide operational improvement
Who Should Enroll
- Manufacturing engineers focused on reducing production lead times
- Operations managers and plant leaders responsible for delivery performance
- Supply chain and logistics professionals improving responsiveness across networks
- Continuous improvement and Lean practitioners focused on time-based performance
About the Certificate
QRM Core (Required)
QRM Business Process Optimization: Improving Support Operations with Advanced Cell Design
Aug. 4-5, 2026 - Live Online (E065) - $1,495
QRM Shop Floor Mastery: Cell Design and Scheduling for High-Mix, Low-Volume, and Custom Production
Oct. 20-21, 2026 - Live Online (E063) - $1,495
QRM Foundation: Implementing QRM for Time-Based Competitiveness
May 12-14, 2026 - , (E059) - $1,995
Sep. 15-17, 2026 - Live Online (E060) - $1,995
Leadership Core Electives (Choose 1)
Agile for Technical Teams: From Principles to Practice
Nov. 9-10, 2026 - Madison, WI (D600) - $1,495
Nov. 9-10, 2027 - Madison, WI (E011) - $1,495
Coaching Skills for Technical Leaders
Nov. 3-4, 2026 - Madison, WI (E169) - $1,695
Critical Conversations: Results-based Communication
Apr. 27-30, 2026 - Live Online (D773) - $1,695
Sep. 16-17, 2026 - Madison, WI (D776) - $1,695
Effectively Managing Technical Teams
Sep. 9-11, 2026 - Madison, WI (D774) - $1,995
May 12-14, 2027 - Madison, WI (E185) - $1,995
Leadership Beyond Your Team: Managing Up and Across
Sep. 14-15, 2026 - Madison, WI (D775) - $1,695
Mastering the Transition from Technical Expert to Leader
Nov. 17-18, 2026 - Madison, WI (E125) - $1,595
Apr. 19-22, 2027 - Live Online (E199) - $1,595
Advanced Technical Core Electives (Choose 1)
Data Analytics for Technical Leaders
Feb. 22-25, 2027 - Live Online (E198) - $1,495
Decisionmaking as a Competitive Advantage: Choosing by Advantages (CBA)
Jun. 24-25, 2026 - Madison, WI (E020) - $1,495
Nov. 4-5, 2026 - Madison, WI (E103) - $1,495
Foundations of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
May 27-Jun 3, 2026 - Live Online (E024) - $2,195
Nov. 2-5, 2026 - Madison, WI or Live Online (E137) - $2,195
Leading Digital Change: Transforming People, Process, and Purpose
May 6-8, 2026 - Live Online (E102) - $1,995
Principles of Engineering Project Management
Sep. 9-11, 2026 - Madison, WI (E043) - $1,795
Root Cause Analysis Tools for Technical Applications
May 13-14, 2026 - Madison, WI or Live Online (D908) - $1,495
Apr. 14-15, 2027 - Madison, WI or Live Online (E087) - $1,495
Certificate requirements
- 3 required courses
- 1 course from the Leadership Core
- 1 course from the Advanced Technical Core
- QRM Reflection – a written assessment applying knowledge from core concepts
* If you have completed the UW-Madison graduate course ISyE 641 within the past 7 years, you are well on your way to earning the QRM Certificate, as it waives the QRM Core requirements.
Questions about fit or requirements? Contact the Program Director:
Dr. James Rink
Ready to get started? Register for the Certificate.
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QRM Certificate Courses (Printable)
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do I need to take the certificate courses in a specific order?
No. Courses may be taken in any order as they become available.
How long does it take to complete the certificate?
Most participants complete the certificate within 2 to 3 years, depending on individual schedules and course availability.
Do I need prior experience with QRM to enroll?
No. The certificate is designed for professionals who are new to QRM as well as those seeking deeper expertise.
Are continuing education units (CEUs) awarded for courses in this certificate?
Yes. Participants receive Continuing Education Units (CEUs) upon successful completion of each course.
Can previously completed courses count toward the certificate requirements?
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.
Are there any waivers for certain courses?
Yes. If you have completed the UW-Madison graduate course ISyE 641 within the past 7 years, you are well on your way to earning the QRM Certificate, as it waives the QRM Core requirements.
Are there group discounts or employer-billing options for organizations sending multiple staff?
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.
Register for the Certificate
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