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Richard D. Rahn

Richard D. Rahn

Lean industrial-engineering expert — mixed-model line design & trainer

Boulder, Colorado, United States
leonardogroupamericas
Joined January 2025
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Summary

Authority in mixed‑model manufacturing and lean industrial engineering: Rahn co‑founded Leonardo Group Americas and created the Lean Design Studio to teach and deploy mixed‑model line design and mixed‑model material management. His work focuses on practical design methods (takt, balancing, buffers, sequencing rules) and testing designs via simulation. leonardogroupamericas+1
Course and platform builder focused on practitioner skill‑building: He helped package hands‑on certificate tracks, a community/forum, and an easy‑to‑use Lean Design Simulator to upskill industrial engineers and Lean practitioners and to sustain Lean capability at organizations. leandesignstudio+1
Published author and healthcare/industry practitioner: Rahn has authored and co‑authored multiple books and short guides (e.g., The Complete Guide to Mixed Model Line Design; Quick Changeover in the OR) applying flow manufacturing and Lean methods to both traditional manufacturing and healthcare perioperative services. goodreads+1
Experienced trainer and coach with real‑world implementations: Company bio and podcast appearances note decades of practical experience (work with Toyota Material Handling and major manufacturers), plus thousands of engineers trained through workshops and online programs—emphasizing coaching, on‑the‑job implementation, and measurable bottom‑line results. leonardogroupamericas+1

Work

Education

Projects

Writing

The Complete Guide to Mixed Model Line Design: Designing the Perfect Value Stream

January 1, 2021

Comprehensive sourcebook on mixed‑model line and value stream design (co‑authored with Gerard Leone); covers takt, balancing, buffers, sequencing, and practical implementation methods.

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Value Stream Mapping in the OR (Lean for Hospitals)

January 1, 2012

Guide applying value stream mapping and flow manufacturing principles to perioperative services and hospitals.

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Quick Changeover in the OR

January 1, 2011

Application of SMED/quick changeover methods to operating room suite changeovers (Lean for Hospitals series); describes separating internal/external steps, standard work and case studies.

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Material Flow: The Complete Guide to Mixed Model Material Management

January 1, 2009

Guide on planning for every part (PFEP), kanban/signals, containerization, and material delivery systems to support mixed‑model production.

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Aerospace Flow

January 1, 2003

Flow manufacturing applications and case studies for aerospace suppliers (co‑authored/edited).

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Fundamentals of Flow Manufacturing

January 1, 2002

Book on flow manufacturing principles and practical application for industry.

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Hobbies

Bilingual in Spanish and English; background living in Manila and Mexico City (interest/skill in Spanish language/culture and international experience). leonardogroupamericas