Learn while having fun - the most interesting Lean training games

During courses and training in the field of lean management, in addition to theoretical classes, training and educational games are also used. Such games or activities are based on the simulation of production lines or even the entire factory. This is a very interesting form of knowledge transfer, thanks to which participants can immediately see what lean management looks like in practice. It is also a great way to conduct internal training in the organization so that the entire team can learn the secrets of lean management.

There are many lean management training and courses available on the market that use simulation games. You can also purchase the game itself and use it in your organization to train your team. Below are five examples of games that I found the most interesting.

Koromo

A simulation game in which participants repair cars sent to a workshop. Their task is to improve work and solve emerging problems by implementing lean management. While playing, you can learn many lean tools, including: JIT, Kaizen, Kanban, Jidoka, 5S or TPM.

You can play Koromo during training conducted by lean trainers or purchase the game for your company.

Link to the project website: https://koromo.pl/gra/

Battery

The game is a simulation of the production process, which must be properly planned to meet the customer's requirements. Different order fulfillment times for individual products play an important role here. Participants must identify problems in the process and solve them by implementing the lean tools they learn.

Similarly to Koromo, Bateriada can be played both by purchasing the game itself and by taking part in a closed or open training.

Link to the project website: https://www.gry.lean.info.pl/gry/bateriada/

Complex Devices Factory

This game is a simulation of a factory where lean management is implemented. It is intended for both managers and the operational team to best demonstrate the step-by-step implementation of lean tools. The entire team is involved in the game, and visual management is the foundation. This is a great way to prepare employees to implement lean management in the organization.

Link to the project website: https://www.gry.lean.info.pl/gry/symulacja-fabryki/

OCTIGO Lean Game

It is also a production simulation, and the aim of the game is to deliver a batch of several dozen products as quickly as possible. Participants are divided into different teams - including: logistics, raw material processing, assembly. The first gameplay takes place without any optimizations that are introduced at later stages of the game. Thanks to this, you can see what impact the changes implemented in the company have on individual stages of production, as well as how important standardization is.

Link to the project website: https://octigo.pl/lista-symulacji/lean-game/

SIMULATIONS Production Simulation – production management and optimization

This game is different from the previous ones because there is competition here. It is a simulation of a large enterprise with several production plants. Participants are divided into several teams (company branches) and take on the role of managers whose task is to increase the productivity of their plant. The team that best improves and optimizes work wins. Cost reduction, downtime reduction, work organization improvement and quality are assessed.

Link to the project website: https://www.symulacje.edu.pl/gra-biznesowe-produkcyjna

Summary

Training games are a good way to both learn lean management and train employees. Thanks to them, we integrate the team, and people in individual positions can see the usefulness of the changes introduced in the organization. During the simulation, you can see how lean tools and methods work in practice.