What is Value Stream Mapping?
Value Stream Mapping (VSM) is a tool to help define if a business is meeting customer demand. It aligns with Strategy Deployment as a method for highlighting key area that need improving. VSM allows a team to get a 30,000-foot view of a business process. It is easier from this perspective to identify and prioritize what needs to be improved to meet a customer’s needs and meet them on time, every time.
Advantages of Value Stream Mapping
Vale Stream Mapping can be completed without affecting the work area. The activities only require a team to observe the activities and document them. The design and development of the Value Stream Map is completed on paper in the team meeting room. This is what makes Value Stream Mapping a powerful tool to have in any lean toolbox.
Value Stream Mapping Steps
There are four steps to a Value Stream Mapping exercise:
1. Data collection
2. Draw a current state map
3. Draw a future state map
4. Develop an implementation plan
Value Stream Mapping Video
In this short video, Chris Turner – Lean Manufacturing Coach, will give a brief explanation about Value Stream Mapping.