Value stream mapping is the technique used to understand the whole picture and the context. it helps in the elimination of waste.
A value stream map represents the flow of material and information required to bring a product and or service from raw material to the customer. A value stream map is a graphical representation that captures a snapshot of the value stream. ‘
The steps to incorporate value stream are as follows:
- Prepare for the start of the value stream mapping.
- For the value stream map you need to gather the cross functional team
- Assign an owner
- Select a product/ process to improve on and define scope
- Identify customer value received
- Create a Current State Value Stream Map:
The next step in creating the value stream map is to:
- Create the current state in order to create the current state you must observe the value stream or the process
- Draw the value stream map
- Capture the information flow
- Validate the current state with your stakeholders
- the next step is to analyze the current state:
In order to analyze the current state you need to
- identify the value add versus the non value add items value i.e. this could mean anything from regulatory requirements (Value Add) to non value add which could end up being excessive people work
- Create the Future State Value Stream Map
- Identify waste with team on value stream map
- Capture the future state value stream
- The last step is to implement the process
Some of the advantages of the value stream mapping exercise is it is more comprehensive than a regular process flow and it gives you an understanding about lead time versus cycle time and how to eliminate waste. Some of the drawbacks to watch out for are they are not easy to construct in comparison with other visual techniques and it does not work well with ongoing improvement efforts.
