Lean Simulations
The Center for Manufacturing Systems (CMS) of the University of Kentucky College of Engineering in cooperation with the Madisonville Community College now offers the Lean Manufacturing Simulation and the Lean Enterprise Simulation. These simulations, modeled after the Toyota Production System "Philosophy of Efficiency" simulation, is another element of the CRMS Lean Manufacturing Program. They were developed in cooperation with Toyota Motor Manufacturing, U.S.A. and was a team effort of a core group from Toyota and the University of Kentucky.
The Lean Simulations are taught by a team of certified instructors and facilitators from the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS). These full-day sessions give participants much more than just knowledge. You will be able to feel the effectiveness of lean manufacturing. You will also obtain a vision of how lean manufacturing elements can be incorporated into your own work environment.
The Lean Simulations are presented in two formats. One is for public attendance which is general in nature to help attendees from a wide variety of companies to see the benefits of adopting this philosophy for their company. The second is customized for individual clients with instruction geared to their specific industry or business. Customizing generally includes a site visit by several members of the Lean team to get a first hand look at current company operations. While public presentations are directed more to senior executive managers and supervisors, the individual company presentations stress participation of all individuals involved in he process.
After the simulation, we continue to work with you through full implementation of:
- Lean Implementation
- Value Stream Mapping
- Kaizen Process and Improvements
- Visual Communications
The goal of the Lean Manufacturing Center for Excellence is to assist any manufacturer or business in the state of Kentucky. The Center will customize a Lean program that will utilize the Lean Simulation and then provide an implementation program specific to your organization. KY-WINS or other state funding may be available as training financial assistance.
Select a simulation below to learn more:
Lean Manufacturing
Lean Manufacturing is a philosophy of efficiency which, when implemented, shortens the time between customer order and factory shipment by eliminating waste. Simulation participants will work on a simulated factory floor in several intensive production rounds, producing an actual product. They will be able to see, feel, and measure the effects as different Lean Manufacturing principles are incorporated into the factory. These principles include concepts such as built-in quality, visual control, just-in-time, pull system, work leveling, continuous improvement, and teamwork.
After completing the simulation participants will be able to:
- Differentiate between a push and a pull system
- List the wastes which must be eliminated to make your manufacturing process lean
- Explain how those wastes reduce your company's profits
- Explain the kaizen process
- Understand how a kanban works
- Make more effective use of employee time which will be available as a result of waste elimination
There are various other instructional elements incorporated into the day's training. Overviews, case studies, in-depth information in key areas, and plenty of team interaction make this a powerful session.
View our Lean Manufacturing promotional brochure 
(467 K)
Lean Enterprise
Lean Enterprise focuses on the office or service-type organizations. It is about information and the associated functions which support the flow of that information.
Lean Enterprise is a strategy for increasing efficiency by finding and reducing or eliminating the unnecessary activities associated with the information flow which supports all processes. In short, implementing Lean Enterprise concepts can make your company more profitable.
Simulation participants will work in a simulated office during several intensive production rounds. They will be able to experience and measure the effects as different lean principles are incorporated into the office environment. These principles include concepts such as:
- Value stream mapping
- Continous improvement visual controls
- Work leveling
- Teamwork
Participants will gain new insights into how lean elements can be incorporated into their own office environment.
View our Lean Enterprise promotional brochure (499 K)
Lean for Healthcare
Lean for Healthcare is a strategy for increasing efficiency by reducing or eliminating waste in the process between receiving the order and delivering the healthcare service. In short, implementing Lean for Healthcare concepts can make your processes safer and more profitable. After completing Lean for Healthcare training you will be able to identify process wastes through value stream mapping and reduce wastes with employee driven continuous improvement projects.
Lean for Healthcare Strategies
- Eliminate waste
- Install visual systems
- Ensure quality at the source
- Redesign for steady flow
- Establish standardized work and procedures
- Engage and respect everyone’s expertise