The Ultimate Simulation explores the concepts of the learning curve when introducing product into a production team, the techniques used to capitalize on the voice of the people include using kaizen methods, the 10-second test and the 15-minute observation teams to voice the obstacles in the flow, and to continually improve production methods with the goal of improving flow velocity. The Simulation begins with Batch Flow + Kaizen, then introduces 5-S methods, and based upon kaizen outcomes and implements 5-S, to finally develop a Lean Flow. Earned value analysis shows the way. The experience uses two identical Excavator products with over 200 components in a 5 work-station flow plus finished goods. The simulation can be presented in either 2 Half-Day events, or 1 eight hour Full-Day event.
The underlying reason for the Ultimate Simulation with a mechanical product.
Many customers who own one of the LeanMan Car Factory Kits, using the wood cars and just a few components, have stated that those kits do a great job of displaying the principles of lean. However, having only a few components leaves little to discuss in the kaizen events when it comes to displaying the effects of communication, team interplay, the learning curve on the team. Such things like adding a new member to a well established flow will slow the flow until the new member learns the hands-on details and complexity of the process, how to perform it at speed, and how the communication system within the team works. They asked for a more detailed product to build with more variations and components.
Thus, the Ultimate Simulation with the Meccano STEM units to build with over 200 components and some tricky assembly techniques. Thus, the learning curve from the 1st build in Batch Flow until the 4th build in Lean Flow is tremendous. The 1st unit in Batch typically requires over 90 minutes, while the 4th build in Lean has been performed in under 22 minutes. The changes to techniques required to improve flow along the way are very creative, and the kaizen events just flow with ideas on how to perform the tasks better. Everyone learns at a faster rate by sharing the "voice of the people."
The package also includes presentations on communication, both visual and aural, and team development and interaction, with a couple ice-breaker games that are fun to play and allow the team participants to get to know each other. One game involves tossing a nerf ball between members in a circle, and once at top speed, suddenly add or remove a member and watch what happens to velocity. Just like a person showing up late or not at all. A soft nerf-like ball is included in the package.
The Meccano STEM 18208 Excavator is available from various sources on-line, at eBay, and at Walmart and other toy sources. Additional sets might be purchased to create a parallel team for some fun competition, and to share insights during a combined Kaizen Event.
The Meccano models used with the Ultimate simulation can be purchased on the internet, at eBay, at Amazon and other toy stores. Additional sets can be purchased to expand training to multiple teams competing in parallel and sharing their kaizen experiences.
There are three models available and instructions for each are provided with the Ultimate package.
- Race car model 18207
- Excavator model 18208
- Roadster model 18202
The student will come away with an understanding of the influence each variable has on production flow, learn about some tools that help to see the obstacles that stand in the way of flow velocity, the impact on the hidden cost of the factory on earned value and how to make the customer happy.
- Just how does the learning curve we all experience when starting a new task help with the next time we perform that same task, and how can we use that to our advantage in a process environment
- How does the voice of the people, or kaizen event, help to improve the flow velocity in a process stream.
- How does the kaizen event help to implement 5-S in the work place, and why is a clean and organized work place help improve flow velocity.
- How does simplifying the work stages help reduce quality errors and improve flow.
- What are the tools of 5-S that we can implement, and some practical methods of implementing 5-S.
- What is the hidden cost of the factory and how does that affect the earned value, or profit, of a company.
- What makes the customer happy? High Quality, On-Time Delivery and Lowest cost. How do each of these customer requirements help us to drive to perfection in a process stream and how do they play a role in a lean flow.
- How does the Earned Value financial chart help us to make good decisions about any changes we might want to make at a specific point process, and why are some changes better for the overall flow velocity while other changes may only improve a single point process to the detriment of the whole.
The LeanMan suggests using the LeanMan Ultimate Simulation Package in the following simulations:
Ultimate Factory Simulation
This full day event focuses on preparing the overall factory. Topics include Batch Flow, Kaizen Events, 5-S Implementation, and Lean Flow. Focus in on Earned Value and how to make the customer happy
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- Group Size: 8-12
- Duration: 7+ hours
- Steps: 4