The Benefits and Possibilities of Virtual and Hybrid Simulations

 

We already know the benefits of simulations—structured activities that mimic real-world scenarios to help teams develop new skills, practice real-world scenarios, and solve problems. With technological advancements, we would have expected simulations to evolve beyond traditional in-person formats to include virtual and hybrid models, offering even greater flexibility and reach. We recently ran into Belt Course, an Operational Excellence training and coaching provider that is at the forefront of innovating in this space with the use of virtual and hybrid simulations. Let us explore the benefits of these simulations, the difference between virtual and hybrid formats, and how Belt Course's innovations can showcase the possibilities and value of these options.


Virtual and Hybrid Simulations:  Benefits and Challenges


Virtual Simulations

In a fully virtual simulation, all participants join the session remotely via a video conferencing platform. The entire interaction, from discussions to hands-on exercises, occurs in a digital space. This format is ideal for teams spread across different buildings or regions.

The challenge with this approach has been bringing the functionality of in-person simulations to the virtual space using tools like Microsoft Teams (Zoom, or similar). After the global COVID-19 pandemic forced industrial organizations to lose their fear and embrace these methods, this presented an opportunity. Belt Course has been able to serve this need by innovating with the use of structured simulations and by effectively using virtual whiteboards (such as Mural or Miro). Yes, picture that Lean Lego Simulation, all done in an electronic format.


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Hybrid Simulations

The virtual option does present some challenges and nuances that somewhat diminish the benefits. A way to get the best of both worlds is the use of Hybrid simulations, which blend the physical and virtual worlds. A number of participants are present in a physical room, while others join remotely. Or two or more groups in distinct locations join one virtual call. The effective use and facilitation of a Teams call, and the virtual whiteboard are used to ensure that everyone, regardless of location, can participate fully. Laptops, shared computers, and projectors do the rest. 

Hybrid simulations open the opportunity to have groups of people from different companies going through the simulations in their language. By achieving a critical mass of people who are at a similar stage in their Lean/OpEx journey, you can have learning experiences that can help participants gain the skills they need, at the right time.


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Embracing Technology in the Digital / AI Era


You might be thinking… “yes, but we have people who are afraid to use technology.”  While that could be somewhat true today, once people start using such technologies as virtual whiteboards, they can lose that fear. 


In a world that is advancing at high speeds towards more digital tools, industry 4.0., and artificial intelligence, companies can reap the benefit of encouraging their workforce to embrace these technologies instead of falling behind. Belt Course’s clients have also reported that after trying these virtual whiteboard tools, they started using them for other purposes, such as problem-solving boards, process mapping, and hybrid kaizen events.


Now that you better understand the benefits of virtual and hybrid simulations, you might be curious to see a few examples and fully grasp the possibilities they could bring.


Belt Course Simulation Applications


Belt Course offers a comprehensive range of simulations tailored to various roles and objectives within an organization. Here are six examples, spanning Problem-Solving, Kaizen Events, Lean Transformation, Leadership Culture and Change, Strategic Planning, and Launching Teams.


1. Problem-Solving Simulation

   - Application: Any employee needing to enhance problem-solving skills using A3 Team Problem-Solving methods. Participants practice effective resolution of issues through team collaboration, and this can be a first step for an employee to get into Continuous Improvement.

   - Hybrid/Virtual Benefits:   Incorporating virtual whiteboards such as Mural or Miro enhances the interactive experience. Participants can collaborate in real-time, visually mapping out processes, brainstorming ideas, and tracking progress. These tools mimic the collaborative environment of a physical room, fostering engagement and creativity.


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Check it out and get a 50% discount by using promo code “LSO” in this link:  https://www.beltcourse.com/a/2147929910/iqJXFaSL



2. Kaizen Leader Simulation

   - Application: Equips leaders with the skills to facilitate effective Kaizen events to make rapid sustainable improvements.

   - Hybrid/Virtual Benefits: Enables cross-functional teams to collaborate on Kaizen events without the need for physical presence. Eliminates travel costs and logistical challenges, enabling a diverse group of employees to participate in the training simultaneously. The participants can collaborate in shared Spreadsheet templates and Mural boards that tell the story.

Check it out and get a 50% discount by using promo code “LSO” in this link:  https://www.beltcourse.com/a/2147914352/iqJXFaSL


3. Lean Leader Simulation

   - Application: Employees at any level can get a comprehensive understanding of Lean tools and techniques, buying into the benefits and possibilities of a transformation.

   - Hybrid/Virtual Benefits: Offers a flexible learning environment where participants can practice Lean principles in real-time simulations.

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Check it out and get a 50% discount by using promo code “LSO” in this link:  https://www.beltcourse.com/a/2147915741/iqJXFaSL



4. Leadership Culture and Change Simulation

   - Application: Leaders at any level, from the floor to the CEO, can practice critical leadership skills to drive change and transform a simulated site with a poor culture. 

   - Hybrid/Virtual Benefits:  They replicate real-world scenarios, providing participants with hands-on experience. Employees of various levels coach other more junior employees, so they can advance to the next level. The use of virtual whiteboards allows for immediate feedback and adjustments, making the learning process dynamic and responsive. 

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Check it out and get a 50% discount by using promo code “LSO” in this link: https://www.beltcourse.com/a/2147942916/iqJXFaSL



5. Strategic Planning Simulation

   - Application: Top and middle leaders can learn and practice strategic planning to align their goals with resources.

   - Hybrid/Virtual Benefits: Enables strategic discussions and planning across various locations, ensuring coherence and alignment.

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Check it out and get a 50% discount by using promo code “LSO” in this link: https://www.beltcourse.com/a/2147947690/iqJXFaSL


6. Launch Teams Simulation

   - Application: Top and middle leaders can learn and practice cascading objectives, building teams, identifying and prioritizing opportunities, and creating deployment plans for each team.

   - Hybrid/Virtual Benefits: Allows team leaders from different disciplines to become an expert on their pillar (TPM / WCM) or project team, creating a deployment plan for their team, but also interacting with other leaders and using a common process tied to a Daily Management System.




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Check it out and get a 50% discount by using promo code “LSO” in this link: https://www.beltcourse.com/a/2147966162/iqJXFaSL



Path Forward


Virtual and hybrid simulations offer flexibility, scalability, and real-world applicability. By engaging employees in immersive simulations, you can foster a culture of continuous improvement, driving performance and engagement across the board. Belt Course's innovative approach, using tools like Microsoft Teams and virtual whiteboards, shows a way to overcome the constraints of traditional training methods. Whether your team prefers remote, in-person, or a mix of both (hybrid), you may have the right simulation to meet your needs.


Companies can consider building their hybrid simulations or integrating those offered by Belt Course into their development programs. Belt Course handles everything, from scheduling to execution, ensuring a seamless training experience. They also allow companies to provide their coaches in any language, and these coaches get trained in how to facilitate the exercises. If companies do not want to deal with physical simulation sets or spend time with extensive planning and developing all the infrastructure, Belt Course could be the way to go.


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