SigmaBrew InBox provides process improvement deployments with an affordable, participant-driven simulation of a transactional process with a virtual (electronic) work flow.
With InBox, participants can practice the application of a comprehensive set of Lean Six Sigma tools in a setting that closely mirrors the current state of the "knowledge workplace." |
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SigmaBrew InBox Is a Unique Lean Simulation
InBox is unique in that employs an email-based work process, providing first-hand experience with Lean Office concepts where the work flow is essentially invisible. The role-play simulation can accommodate a class size of 15-20 students with active assignments.
 Most Lean Six Sigma simulations use role-play activities and a sequence of runs to practice improvement tools for tangible products like paper or assembled items. InBox is the first Lean Six Sigma simulation built around an electronic workflow – the type of work environment that actually exists in service businesses or the support functions of a manufacturing enterprise.
InBox is entirely online, so there are no additional simulation parts or pieces to buy and track. InBox effectively illustrates the use of Lean tools within an office environment, including: takt time, work-in-process metrics, error-proofing, line balancing, standardized work, Little’s Law, and Theory of Constraints (TOC).
SigmaBrew InBox and SigmaSim® DMAIC, MoreSteam's DMAIC project game, can be paired together to illustrate different improvement project approaches (Kaizen vs. DMAIC), and to practice a wider range of analytical and improvement tools within a blended learning model. Several patents are pending for MoreSteam's innovative simulation and game technologies.
How Does InBox Work? SigmaBrew InBox uses the SigmaBrew™ case study, where a large specialty coffee retailer struggling with quality and customer service issues. During the InBox simulation, each participant assumes a role, or job, within the work process. Each role is provided with printed work instructions and an email account.
New work projects are initiated by the participant filling the first role using an automated Web-based “Market Demand” scheduling device, and work flows from one process step to another via forwarding of email.
Other job roles are supported by additional online “gadgets” that handle work processing by turning inputs from the prior process step into outputs for the current step (such as site selection, rent pricing, accept/reject decisions, and so forth).
 Emails are forwarded from the first process step to the last, preserving the email string, and therefore documenting all the process activity. Since emails are automatically time-stamped, it is easy to collect data on cycle time by work project, which facilitates statistical analysis and data-driven decisions to improve the process.
After the first run, the simulation participants collaborate as an instructor-facilitated group to create a value stream map, identify process waste, and design improvements to the process. Those improvements are incorporated into revised work instructions, and the simulation is then run using the revised rules to determine whether or not the changes have been effective. Additional cycles of analysis and improvement can be used to further refine the process.
Pricing Information and Ordering
SigmaBrew InBox is licensed per simulation run. A simulation run is defined as when a group of students (generally 15-20 individuals) works through the simulation. Most workshops include 2-3 simulation runs.It's easy to get started with SigmaBrew InBox! Contact MoreSteam Sales to learn more and order SigmaBrew InBox. |
