Audatex launches online Lean Six Sigma training course

The 10-module, self-paced online course provides targeted methods for cycle time reduction, waste elimination and process improvement designed to improve shop productivity, customer satisfaction and business-growth potential. The program also provides optional continuing education units and Audatex certification.

“It opened my eyes,” Vartan Ghazarian, assistant manager of Supreme Collision Centre, says of the Audatex Lean Six Sigma course. “We anticipate a 35 percent increase in efficiency and throughput in all areas, including average length of jobs, parts and supplies procurement and cycle times.”

Supreme Collision, which operates four facilities in Ontario, Canada, and participates in several direct repair programs, is applying lean principles throughout its organization. Twelve Supreme Collision employees will take the Audatex training, while managers also will attend classroom-based Six Sigma training on best practices provided by a leading U.S. paint company.

Audatex has implemented Lean Six Sigma practices in its daily operations since 2006. The company, part of Solera Holdings Inc., employs Lean Six Sigma experts and trainers known as “black belts,” the highest level of Lean Six Sigma certification that can be attained.

“This course provides comprehensive coverage of Six Sigma and Lean principles and concepts including 5S, waste, pull, flow, value stream mapping, mistake-proofing and Kaizen,” says David Trissel, certified black belt and associate vice president of process excellence at Audatex.

“Today’s economic conditions make it more important than ever to be efficient, to make intelligent decisions, and to focus on continuous improvement,” says John Kotsopoulos, managing director for Audatex North America. “You could have all the right equipment in your shop, but if you don’t have a strong foundation of effective business processes in place, then you don’t truly have all the tools you need to succeed.”

Highlights of Audatex Lean Six Sigma for collision repair include streaming video and audio accessed online anytime; 10 modules organized for maximum value to collision repairers; self-paced learning and CEU units (optional); and year-long, full access for each individual subscriber.

For more information on Audatex Lean Six Sigma for collision repair, download the free white paper at www.audatex.us/thinktank.aspx . To inquire about purchasing the course, contact Audatex toll-free at 1-800-237-4968 or through the online contact form at www.audatex.us/contact.aspx.