What Is a Value Stream Map?Value Stream Mapping (VSM) is a tool that is used to help understand and streamline different work processes within Lean Manufacturing. VSM’s main goal is to recognize waste, identify the causes of waste, and implement steps to reduce waste. Waste is anything that does not add value to the product. VSM is used as a communication tool, as well as a change management tool and strategic planning tool. Value Stream Mapping provides three things for an organization: understanding of the current state, a set of goals or future state vision, and the implementation roadmap to reduce waste. The way in which to accomplish this is through a visual map of the flow of materials and information—from the time the product arrives as raw material to the loading dock as finished product. By drawing out each and every step of the manufacturing process, or any other process for that matter, complete with cycle times, down times, material moves, in-process inventory, and information flow paths, will help to visualize the current state of the process, giving guidance to the future desired state. First, let’s take a look at understanding the current state. This process is easily done, and, depending on the situation, can be mapped out in a matter of a few hours to several weeks—this will largely depend on the complexity and scope. Regardless, the process is still the same whether it is a very complex current state or not very complex. The next step is to determine the set of goals or future state vision. However, this can only be done once the current state has been completely mapped out. When setting the future state vision, it is important to use metrics for improvement that spans across a reasonable amount of time, such as a year. This helps to keep a sense of urgency in completing the goals. The type of measurement should also be concrete, like cycle time or percentage of time. Finally, to complete the VSM process, ensure to implement a roadmap that has a built-in correction mechanism, which is important for the success of the Value Stream Mapping. When implementing the roadmap, establish a timeline for completing the improvement ideas, communicate the plan to top management to ensure their buy-in prior to formalizing the plan, communicate with the rest of the team who will be impacted; and then conduct monthly meetings to help keep the change process moving along. VSM takes into account all the processes, to include information systems, management systems and the activity of the product itself. The map helps to see clearly how the process works, identifying where improvements needs to be made. This affects all levels of the organization, requiring everyone’s involvement and motivation to accomplish the goals, resulting in reduced waste and improved results. |
| Related Sites |
|
| Copyright | Copyright 2008©leanmanufacturingconcepts.com |