Accelerating Operational Excellence in Distribution
About LDEC
Distribution operations face increasing pressure to deliver faster, leaner, and more cost-effective results. Yet, most Lean Six Sigma programs are manufacturing-centric, leaving a gap in distribution-focused continuous improvement.
The Lean Distribution Excellence Consortium (LDEC) is the first university-led research Lean Six Sigma consortium in the nation focused exclusively on distribution operations. Established under the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) and the Digital Manufacturing and Distribution Lab (DMD-Lab), LDEC connects students, faculty, and industry partners to drive real-world process improvement, workforce development, and innovation across the supply chain.
LDEC brings together Texas A&M’s nationally ranked Industrial Distribution program with hands-on Lean Six Sigma applications, giving industry partners direct access to top Aggie talent and practical, simulation-driven solutions.
Our Mission
To serve as a national hub for distribution-focused Lean Six Sigma education, research, and collaboration, delivering measurable results for both students and industry partners while advancing operational excellence across the sector.
Comparable University Consortia
While there are many supply chain-focused centers in the U.S., LDEC stands apart by combining Lean Six Sigma certification, simulation-based learning, and undergraduate-industry collaboration exclusively in distribution.
| Consortium | Focus | Limitation | LDEC Advantage |
| NC State – SCRC | Strategic sourcing | No student certification | Real-time belt training |
| TCU – CSCI | Research reports | No simulations | Kaizen Challenge + A3 Tools |
| UT Dallas – OSCM | Tech logistics | No sponsor-student collaboration | Mentor-driven projects |
Value Proposition to Students
Students benefit from LDEC in several ways, including:
- Skill development. Gain hands-on Lean Six Sigma experience through simulations, Kaizen events, and real sponsor projects—complementing classroom learning with industry-relevant application.
- Industry connections. Engage directly with leading distribution companies offering internships and employment opportunities.
- Certification advantage. Earn White Belt and Yellow Belt certifications before graduation, boosting career readiness.
- Recognition and leadership. Top performers receive awards, industry recognition, and leadership opportunities within LDEC programs.
Value Proposition to Industry Partners
Industry partners benefit from LDEC in several ways, including:
- Preview and recruit top talent. See Aggie students solve real distribution challenges, giving you a strong recruiting advantage.
- Applied problem-solving. Leverage student-faculty teams to address real operational bottlenecks through structured Lean Six Sigma projects.
- Professional development. Access White and Yellow Belt training for your employees to strengthen your continuous improvement culture.
- Brand visibility. Gain recognition through LDEC events, publications, and digital platforms as a leader in operational excellence.
- Collaborative research. Participate in sponsor-funded studies and share best practices within a network of forward-thinking industry peers.
Core Objectives
- Advance Lean Six Sigma in Distribution: Apply proven continuous improvement tools to real-world distribution challenges.
- Deliver Industry-Ready Talent: Provide belt-certified graduates with hands-on project experience.
- Drive Collaborative Research: Solve shared operational challenges through sponsor-funded projects.
- Foster Knowledge Sharing: Publish case studies, host forums, and lead industry workshops.
Signature Programs
- LDEC Kaizen Challenge™ – 2-day simulation + certification event for students and sponsors.
- LDEC Belt Series™ – White and Yellow Belt training for students, sponsors, and faculty.
- LDEC Pathfinder™ – Extended sponsor-guided student capstone projects.
- LDEC Live™ – Site visits, on-floor process mapping, and field-based lean events.
- LDEC Gala + Awards Night™ – Annual celebration of certified students and sponsor achievements.
- LDEC Pathfinder™ – Extended sponsor-guided student capstone projects.
- LDEC Live™ – Site visits, on-floor process mapping, and field-based lean events.
- LDEC Gala + Awards Night™ – Annual celebration of certified students and sponsor achievements.
Why LDEC is Unique
Unlike other university-led supply chain centers, LDEC is purpose-built for the distribution sector.
- The only consortium exclusively targeting distribution operations.
- Hands-on, simulation-driven learning—not just theory.
- Built on TAMU’s Industrial Distribution program with a proven track record of industry partnerships.
- Direct bridge between Lean tools and real-world distribution challenges.
Membership Benefits
- Real-time Lean Solutions – Sponsor projects that solve current operational bottlenecks.
- Direct Recruitment Pipeline – Engage with high-performing, belt-certified Aggie students.
- Professional Development – Belt certification opportunities for sponsor employees.
- Brand Visibility – Recognition at events, publications, and on the LDEC website.
- Faculty Collaboration – Access to TAMU experts and applied research initiatives.
Membership Details
- Annual Membership Dues: $10,000/year (or $5,000/semester – Fall & Spring)
- Requirements: Active participation in at least one event per semester, collaboration on project scope, and compliance with TEES guidelines.
Impact Goals
- Train 200+ students annually in Lean tools.
- Award 100+ certifications per year.
- Solve 10+ industry challenges per year through consortium projects.
- Publish 3+ industry case studies or technical papers
How to Join
Organizations interested in joining LDEC can contact the Director for a membership package and sponsorship agreement.
Prof. Chukwuzubelu Ufodike
Director, Lean Distribution Excellence Consortium (LDEC)
Assistant Professor, Texas A&M University
Email: ufodike@tamu.edu | Phone: 979-845-0093
Downloadable Resources
