10-Basics of Best-in-ClassLean Manufacturing

Best Practice No. 04: Value Stream Mapping

By Bill Gaw bg@bbasicsllc.com
Lean manufacturing is the removal of waste, by improving production time, which results in
improved quality and the reduction of costs. Value Stream Mapping (VSM) is the visual tool used
to identify and eliminate waste, which makes VSM an incredibly important tool to use in the
success of lean manufacturing.
Specifically, Value Stream Mapping allows you to see the flow of the value stream, and where the
wastes are within the flow. For instance, when a value stream map is created, the first step is to
draw out the value adding steps in the middle of the paper, what the delays are, and all
information required in order to deliver the product or service. There are also different tools used
on the map that are hand drawn, providing an easier avenue for developing and making
corrections.
Plus drawing out the map gives you the opportunity to view and understand how the materials
and information flows in the value stream in order to discuss the required changes. This
information will guide you for establishing the future state map with prioritized activities in order
to achieve the future state vision.
Another critical piece in the value stream map is all the non-value adding steps, which are the
operations of the value stream, such as a person's workstation. The non-value adding steps are
also classified as the preparatory or cleaning up phase. Once these have been identified, lines are
drawn to each value adding step. A vertical line is drawn from the non-value adding steps to the
value adding steps, which tells a story about the person performing the work, or the workstation.
A horizontal line is drawn is drawn between each of the value adding steps indicating the product
being created.
In essence, Value Stream Mapping is used to identify the opportunities for reducing waste and
improving quality. VSM can also be used for other functions, not just manufacturing, such as
logistics, the supply chain, other departments within an organization, as well as other industries. It
is important to clearly outline the current state, with all pieces that affect all phases of the
process. Once this is done, then the brainstorming of how to eliminate the waste and improve the
process can be conducted. The final step is to create a future state vision map of how the process
will operate, and implement the changes.