Frequently Asked Questions.
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Questions and Answers: The Lean Factory Game
Got questions? We’ve got answers – straight from the shop floor.
The game is designed for 6 to 16 players. It features 8 active roles such as assembly worker or logistics operator. Additional participants can take on the role of Gemba observers, who closely watch the game, provide input, and actively participate in discussions. For groups larger than 16, we recommend using two sets and dividing the group into two teams in the same room. This creates an exciting competition and keeps everyone engaged.
A full session usually lasts about 4 hours. Depending on the group, it can be shorter or longer. For example, top management teams often prefer a condensed 60-minute version, focusing only on selected topics such as SMED or Lean Logistics. Consulting firms sometimes extend the program over several days, combining the game with their own training content. In this way, the game becomes part of a flexible, customized learning experience.
The game is ideal for companies that actively work with Lean Management and want to bring Lean thinking to life on the shop floor. It works as an “eye-opener,” inspiring teams to embrace Lean initiatives with real enthusiasm. Beyond industry, the game is also used by universities, business schools, and consulting firms, making it a versatile training tool across different contexts.
We ship the LeanActivity Factory Game worldwide. Our experienced logistics partners handle all customs documentation and shipping requirements. Delivery time varies from just a few days within Europe to up to 4 weeks depending on the destination country. All shipments are dispatched from Germany within the EU, ensuring reliable and secure transport.
The Factory Game consists of 10 game rounds, each focusing on a key Lean Management principle:
- Waste elimination, work instructions & standardization
- Visualization
- 5S workplace organization
- Lean layouts, material flow & improvements
- SMED (quick changeovers)
- Small batch sizes & material containers
- Supermarket & milk run logistics
- Pull principle
- Design for manufacturing
- Kanban & Heijunka (leveling)
This step-by-step approach makes Lean both practical and tangible for all participants.
The game comes in a durable transport trolley, containing all necessary materials: a factory warehouse, supermarket, playing figures, materials, route train, all cards, and documents. Additionally, buyers receive access to our online platform, which includes training videos, supporting materials, and the Train-the-Trainer course. Everything is included to make the game fully ready-to-play from day one.
Yes. A comprehensive Train-the-Trainer program is included, guiding facilitators step by step through each round. The Factory Game is intuitive and easy to run, supported by detailed online resources. Trainers also have access to direct video support from the LeanActivity team, ensuring smooth implementation. Even newcomers can confidently deliver the game with excellent results.
The online platform is the central facilitator’s tool. It provides videos, detailed instructions, and explanations of all Lean methods used in the game. It actively guides the trainer through each round and serves as a digital co-trainer, ensuring consistent quality and ease of facilitation. This makes the learning experience highly structured and reliable.
Yes, the Factory Game is flexible. Trainers can choose to focus on selected rounds depending on the target audience, whether it’s production teams, logistics staff, or executive management. This adaptability allows organizations to tailor the learning journey to their own Lean transformation needs.
Absolutely. Many companies use the game in executive workshops as a strategic tool. Top managers benefit from a condensed version that highlights Lean principles in action, providing a powerful eye-opening experience without requiring a full day of play.
Yes. Consulting firms worldwide use the Factory Game to enrich their Lean programs. It allows them to combine their own content with the game, stretching sessions over multiple days. This creates a highly interactive and memorable learning experience for their clients.
Unlike traditional training methods, the Factory Game combines realistic production scenarios, hands-on problem solving, and immediate feedback loops. It creates a powerful link between theory and practice, making Lean Management not only easier to understand but also far more engaging and motivating for participants.
The Factory Game is not limited to production employees. In fact, it is highly valuable for all departments, including Sales, HR, Finance, and Administration. Lean is not only about improving shop floor processes – it’s about creating a holistic culture of efficiency and problem-solving across the organization. When non-production staff participate, they gain deeper insight into how value is created in the factory and how their own roles connect to it. This often leads to cross-functional understanding, better collaboration, and stronger commitment to Lean initiatives throughout the company.
No, both games are completely independent and come with their own unique materials and setups. The Factory Game focuses on production processes, while the Office Game addresses Lean in administrative areas. They can be combined for extended Lean training programs, but each works perfectly as a standalone experience.
Questions and Answers: The Lean Office Game
Got questions? We’ve got answers – straight from the shop floor.
One game set allows 6–12 participants to play simultaneously in a training session. If more players are involved, a second game set can be added. In this case, two groups can train in the same room, running through the game in parallel. This often creates a healthy sense of competition, further boosting engagement and enthusiasm.
A standard training session lasts 4 hours. However, the duration can be adjusted to fit your needs. For example, if you integrate additional content, the training can be extended and even spread across multiple days. Some trainers use the game as a “red thread” for multi-day workshops—starting with the first round in the morning, then combining it with custom content in the afternoon, and continuing with additional rounds on the following days. On the other hand, the training can also be shortened if the focus is only on specific Lean tools.
The game is suitable for all organizations with complex or process-heavy office and administrative workflows, especially where multiple roles, departments, and interfaces are involved. In addition, universities and consulting firms use the LeanActivity Office Game to enhance their teaching portfolio and strengthen their unique value proposition.
We ship internationally via DHL. Export and customs declarations are handled by us. Depending on the destination, delivery from Germany/EU typically takes between 1 to 4 weeks. If you have specific shipping questions, feel free to contact us.
The game provides in-depth learning on the fundamentals of Lean Management and the Toyota Production System, including the Lean philosophy for office environments and the 8 types of waste. Players also practice a wide range of tools and methods, such as:
- 5S, Standardization, Visualization, Visual Management
- Value Stream Design, Process Flow & Process Mapping
- Team Boards & Team Meetings
- FIFO Principle, One-Piece-Flow
- Idea Management, Office Kanban, and many more.
Each LeanActivity Office Game comes in a durable travel trolley, which can also be taken on an airplane—making it ideal for trainers who deliver sessions at multiple sites. The set includes all game elements required for the simulation, as well as access to the online platform with step-by-step video moderation and facilitation guides.
No. The game is fully facilitated by the online platform. The video instructions explain Lean methodologies and guide participants through each round of the game. Trainers may choose to add their own expertise, provide additional explanations, or answer deeper questions—but this is entirely optional. The game is designed to run smoothly without external moderation.
Absolutely. Many companies use the game in executive workshops as a strategic tool. Top managers benefit from a condensed version that highlights Lean principles in action, providing a powerful eye-opening experience without requiring a full day of play.
Yes. Consulting firms worldwide use the Office Game to enrich their Lean programs. It allows them to combine their own content with the game, stretching sessions over multiple days. This creates a highly interactive and memorable learning experience for their clients.
Unlike traditional trainings, the LeanActivity Office Game is a realistic simulation of office and administrative processes. Participants experience real cases, authentic challenges, and dynamic workflows that reflect the complexity of everyday office life. This realism creates an immediate connection between the training and participants’ own work environment—ensuring that lessons learned can be applied directly in practice.
By combining hands-on play, teamwork, and competition, the game creates an atmosphere of excitement and motivation. Participants don’t just learn Lean concepts theoretically—they experience the effects of Lean methods first-hand, which drives both engagement and long-term retention of knowledge.
No, both games are completely independent and come with their own unique materials and setups. The Factory Game focuses on production processes, while the Office Game addresses Lean in administrative areas. They can be combined for extended Lean training programs, but each works perfectly as a standalone experience.
Questions and Answers: The Lean Toolbox
Got questions? We’ve got answers – straight from the shop floor.
Yes. The LeanActivity Toolbox is a downloadable product that you can access immediately after purchase. You can download it as often as you like—there is no time limit or expiration. This means you don’t need to rush; the full content will remain available to you whenever you are ready to use it.
Each Toolbox contains PowerPoint and PDF templates for every Lean tool, along with practical workshop and training templates, step-by-step implementation guides, and supporting videos. Every tool is equipped with detailed resources, enabling you to immediately introduce Lean methods and build a Lean Production System in your own organization.
Yes. All materials are fully editable and customizable. You can adapt the PowerPoint slides, templates, and instructions to match your company’s specific processes, terminology, and corporate design. The content is licensed for free internal use, meaning you can freely adjust and distribute it within your organization for workshops, trainings, and improvement projects.
The Lean Manufacturing Toolbox focuses exclusively on production-related Lean tools—24+ methods such as 5S, Kanban, SMED, Heijunka, and One-Piece-Flow.
The LeanActivity Business Toolbox, on the other hand, includes the entire Manufacturing Toolbox plus the Lean Office Toolbox, Lean Digitalization Toolbox, and Lean Leadership Toolbox—altogether providing over 70 Lean tools for all areas of an organization.
All content is delivered in Microsoft Office format, including PowerPoint, Excel, Word but PDF copies as well. So you can edit slides and adapt them to your own organization. Templates can be customized for workshops, trainings, or management presentations. In addition, step-by-step instructions and tutorial videos are included to guide you through implementation.
Yes. All content is designed for practical use within your organization. You may copy, edit, and share the templates and slides with your team. This makes it easy to integrate Lean training into your workshops, management meetings, or onboarding processes without additional effort.
No. The Toolbox is built for both beginners and experienced Lean practitioners. Every tool comes with clear step-by-step instructions, templates, and examples, so even those new to Lean can start applying the methods immediately. For experienced Lean managers, the Toolbox serves as a ready-to-use library of professional materials.
The Lean Manufacturing Toolbox includes 24+ production tools such as Kanban, SMED, 5S, Heijunka, Pull, and Value Stream Mapping.
The LeanActivity Business Toolbox includes 70+ tools—covering not only Manufacturing, but also Office, Leadership, Strategy, and Digitalization.
Yes. The Toolbox is especially designed for trainings, workshops, and continuous improvement programs. Each tool includes slides, exercises, and templates you can directly use with teams. This saves you hours of preparation and ensures your trainings are professional, consistent, and engaging.
Once purchased, you will always have access to the current version of the Toolbox. If updates or new content are released, you can re-download the materials at no extra cost.
Questions and Answers: Shop and Payment
Got questions? We’ve got answers – straight from the shop floor.
We accept all major payment methods, including credit card, PayPal, bank transfer, and other common international options.
Yes. All payments are processed through secure, encrypted connections. We never store your payment details.
Yes. We ship our Lean Games worldwide. Digital products (Toolboxes) are available for instant download globally.
Shipping costs depend on your location and will be shown during checkout before you complete your order.
Within Europe, delivery usually takes 3–5 business days. International shipping may take longer depending on the destination.
Yes. Once your order is dispatched, you will receive tracking details by email.
Yes. After checkout, you receive a formal invoice automatically. For larger orders or quotations, please use our “Request a Quotation” page.
