Wouldn’t it be nice if we could just fly around and observe what is affecting our surroundings and determine what needs to be fixed? In a matter of speaking, Value Stream Mapping does just that.
Value Stream Mapping, or VSM, allows you to visualize the processes used, including all steps from beginning to end of what it takes to bring your product or service into fruition.
The beauty and genius of these maps is that it allows you to see what steps add value to your processes that produces your product or service. At the same time, it allows you to see what steps are of “non-value,” meaning they don’t add any value and can be eliminated, thus saving production time and cost.
The 3 Basic Components of a Value Stream Map
Processes or Production Flow: this shows you the current state of your process, step by step from start to finish. This will show you which steps in your process are effective and efficient, and most of all necessary. Here is your chance to see where waste is occurring and eliminate it.
Communication or Information Flow: in this section, you can see information given, whether formal or informal, of each process of what to do next. You can see both sides of the equation and many times discover conflicting priorities.
Timeline and Travel Distances: these are the physical steps taken within the processes used to make your product or perform your service. If there are a lot of steps taken, this could mean placement of machinery or items used in the process could use some improvement.
The actual design of a Value Stream Map depends on your needs. Many can be designed easily just using Excel on your computer, or if you are old school, graph paper and a pencil. Regardless of what method you use, this is a most valuable tool for having that overall bird’s eye view of your business.
Another benefit of the VSM is that you are able to make future changes because you have the necessary information. No guesswork or intuition needed, just the facts, just one of the many Lean tools that’s priceless in value on many levels.
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