This video shows one of the lean training simulations developed by the experts at Toyota. As you can see, the game uses toy car manufacturing (what a surprise!) to illustrate pull production. Different coloured kanban locations show which type of car is required.
You can see the last guy with the stop watch taking a car at specific intervals from the coloured locations. He is the customer. When the car is taken, the coloured spot is replenished with a car from upstream. This triggers the fabricators to build another one of that colour. A classic kanban set-up!
Has anyone had any experience playing this particular game? Has anyone "graduated" from Toyota University? Add your opinion to the comments below!
Toyota University Simulation Video:
I've added this video to my list of lean games and simulations!
Please feel free to check out the following additional resources,
Toyota University | Maya University | Auburn University: Mayan Ruins| Mayan Palace Cancun | Riu Palace Cabo | Miami University: CaboPalace
I played this game in 2010 at the Toyota Dealer Development Centre in the Netherlands. After that we bought it through them and I am now using it as a training tool for our employees and partners at Heembouw (construction company).
ReplyDeleteCan you tell me where you purchased the game?
DeleteThanks for the comment Rudy. I didn't know that Toyota used it to train their dealers, but I guess it makes sense. Must be fun to play with the little cars!
ReplyDeleteI am a trained teacher in this game. It is however a short/quick game and the pupils are not really invited to participate with suggestions, improvements etc. As a simulation it works really well but as TPS/Lean training Toyota has better education tools.
ReplyDeleteNice to hear from someone that knows about this game. With those fancy cars, I expected more of an interactive game. Although even a short simulation is nice for demonstrating lean processes. Thanks!
DeleteLooks like there is still some improvement possible on load balancing or Skills ;) The lady last in the production line is slowing down.
ReplyDeleteAck. . .bottleneck! She's putting a whole car together, what do you expect :)
DeleteRebalancing is definitely worthwhile here, or perhaps they could reallocate an operator and run with two. Depends how often the customer wants a car.