The Pizza Game - A VSM Simulation

The Pizza Game is a Lean simulation created by Bob Petruska using poker chips and train tracks to illustrate the concepts of lean and kanban, with a focus on Value Stream Mapping. Using poker chips and wooden train tracks, the materials are a bit more unorthodox than some other simulations. 






During the game, the group makes pizzas with six linked processes and an inspection. Other Lean disciples are involved in timing and tracking the results. Some of the tools discussed include work balancing and spaghetti diagrams. 
  




Each iteration of the game is followed by a kaizen blitz, where the team uses VSM to map the processes and improve it, by combining operations, changing the layout and developing a pull system. The Pizza Game is a complete simulation, with all information required to run it included in the .pdf. You only need to acquire the materials.  

Note: This is no longer a free download, but you can buy the game as a complete kit at the linked site.


This game has been added to my growing list of lean games and simulations.






Comments

  1. Dear Martin. Thank you for sharing the Pizza Game with your readers. As the author, I would appreciate a link back to my site www.BobPetruska.com and to have my name credited with this particular topic. Also, for those interested in learning more, I will be giving a workshop in May 2015 at Industry Week Best Plants located in Charlotte, NC USA. Here is a link http://www.iwbestplants.com/iwbp15/public/SpeakerDetails.aspx?FromPage=SpeakerList.aspx&ContactID=1155040 Many Thanks! Bob

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    1. Hi Bob! Thanks for commenting on this page and thanks for creating this game! I've seen lego and paper folding used for lean games, but this is the first one I've seen using wooden train tracks to simulate a pizza line. Very cool idea! I've update the original heading with a link to your site.

      Also, here's a clickable link to the workshop you mentioned Bob Petruska's workshop

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