Lean & SIM Motorsport
Join Matt as he hops into the fast lane as we sit down with the dynamic founder and CEO of SIM Motorsport Ltd, Simon Ricketts, who has been on the exhilarating journey to redefine the SIM racing world with Lean excellence. Simon takes us on a thrilling ride through his career, from diverse adventures in sales, security, hospitality and military service to becoming the driving force behind an electrifying SIM motorsport experience in the UK.
Since taking the helm in October 2021, Simon has catapulted SIM Motorsport to the forefront of the industry, known for its cutting-edge race car simulators featuring the officially licensed 4-point haptic suspension system sanctioned by the prestigious FIA – the most realistic sim experience you'll find.
In this episode, we explore how Lean principles are embedded into the DNA of SIM Motorsport Ltd, from design to operations, with practices like Kanban, Right First Time and benchmarking ensuring every aspect is finely tuned for efficiency. We delve into the role of data analysis and performance metrics, especially in telemetry, and discover the most effective Lean tools like Cause & Effect and Right First Time.
Learn how Simon and his team streamline logistics and event preparation using the Venus Management System, enabling complete remote control and feedback. Explore why professional drivers, racing enthusiasts and corporate parties all flock to SIM Motorsport Ltd for its realistic simulators, telemetry, risk-free experimentation and above all else, realism!
Simon shares his vision for the future of Lean in the SIM racing industry, with plans to expand already racing ahead, his proof of concept ultimately creating a more efficient and enjoyable experience for racers and enthusiasts. So many key learnings to takeaway that are applicable to to your workplace.
Simon's journey and the Lean principles at SIM Motorsport Ltd serve as a shining example of how continuous improvement and data-driven decisions can transform an industry. From 5S practices to daily quality checks, the team at SIM Motorsport embraces precision and customer focus.
Discover how Simon's passion for process mapping has created a world-class experience, and see how data-driven coaching, akin to the Toyota Kata, helps racers improve their performance.
In an ever-evolving world, Simon is excited about the potential of AI technology in motorsport, while valuing the irreplaceable human touch and knowledge.
This episode is packed with valuable insights and lessons that apply not only to motorsport but to any industry. So, buckle up and get ready for an adrenaline-fueled journey of Lean inspiration, benchmarking, and innovation with Simon Ricketts of SIM Motorsport Ltd. If you're seeking a new obsession or simply a good time, make a pit stop at SIM Motorsport Ltd in Gillingham, Kent, UK, and experience the future of racing today!
Explore upcoming events and the RACE SCHOOL program, designed to nurture talented young motorsport enthusiasts. Plus, enjoy exclusive listener perks with a 10% discount (code: EVERSOLEAN8020) and a loyalty scheme.
Key Takeaways:
TQM principles revolve around customer satisfaction, leadership commitment, employee involvement, continuous improvement, data-driven decisions, supplier relationships, structured processes, education, benchmarking, empowerment and prevention. These principles aim to boost quality and organizational excellence. Simon is the prefect example of these skillsets sticking with you and being transferable.
At SIM Motorsport Ltd, Simon and the team have created an environment and an experience that is heavily built on Lean principles, mirroring what you see in Formula One. As soon as you walk through the doors, the environment blows you away. You see practices like 5S, just-in-time, continuous improvement, waste reduction, standardized work, Kanban, visual management, team collaboration and a multi-skilled workforce. Just like racing on track, these principles clearly enhance efficiency and precision in the high-pressure world of SIM Racing.
Before opening SIM Motorsport Ltd, Simon conducted vigorous benchmarking exercises from other industry leading motorsport areas. This enabled him to understand what worked and didn’t work so well. Providing him the blueprint for a world class experience. Right down to the availability of deodorant in the washrooms!
Simon spoke about how he is developing his team in TQM principles naturally. It’s the way they do the work. The learning is being pulled by the team who are keen to learn and drive improvement. The key part here is that it’s a pull system and not a push system. The culture is a culture of continuous improvement. Fantastic.
Every day quality checks take place to ensure that all equipment is in optimal condition. Standard work is in place, including checklists to ensure this happens the same way and at the same time everyday, regardless of who is working. It’s all about precision, customer focus and right first time.
At the end of each day, he does a Gemba meeting with the team to review the day, identify what they could do better and learn from it. Such an important discipline to install and maintain, so simple, yet so powerful.
I loved that Simon shared that he utilises Process Mapping to develop the world class flow and business model he has created to such a high standard. This wasn’t a one off task that filed away somewhere. He frequently goes back to this living breathing document to look for opportunities to improve.
During the SIM experience, the team analyse data captured through telemetry along with the driver to understand where they can improve. The staff are experts (SME’s) and use the data to coach the driver where they can improve. They then go back to the simulator and go again. The process is then rinsed and repeated throughout the session. The key part here for me is using fact and data to ‘coach’ rather than ‘tell’. It’s very similar to the Toyota Kata. It’s about learning a discipline and then practicing it over and over until mastered.
I love that Simon was so open to and excited by the impact AI technology is and will have on his industry. He’s already thinking about the benefits and improvement’s it can add to SIM Motorsport. Yet he is also conscious of where the human touch, interaction and knowledge is valuable in the process.
There was so many learnings today that we can take away and apply to our own working environments. The logic, methods and application approach that Simon has evidenced at SIM Motorsport Ltd is applicable everywhere. If you’re looking for some Lean inspiration, some benchmarking, a good time and potentially a new obsession, get yourself down to SIM Motorsport Ltd in Gillingham, Kent in the UK.
Useful Links:
SIM Motorsport Ltd - https://www.simmotorsport.co.uk/
Use discount code "EVERSOLEAN8020" to receive a 10% discount on your booking
To find out more about the certifications available with Catalyst Consulting Ltd, visit www.catalystconsulting.co.uk
Visit the BQF to learn more about the wonderful work they do.
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