Short History
This kind of mapping has been used for several years. As a matter of fact, the information about this was published in the 1918 book entitled as Installing Efficiency Methods by Charles E. Knoeppel. Later on, the latter form of diagramming was used with the Toyota Production System as well as by the whole lean manufacturing movement. Moreover, it became useful in terms of lean methodology in various places. It was soon applied to Six Sigma methodologies in the agile industry.
What is it?
Value stream mapping is actually a type of flowchart process in order to analyze, illustrate as well as enhanced the steps that are needed to deliver a specific product or service. With this, you can review the flow of the step process, and essential information from its origin to delivery to the client. In addition to this, it also uses a system of symbols to describe different work activities and flow of information.
The purpose of the value stream mapping is to search and eliminate waste. With this diagramming method, you will be able to identify the items that add value or not for your customer’s happiness and satisfaction. Meanwhile, to make the most out of the process, you can begin by simply sketching through your hand, and later on move to the VSM agile software in order to attain better analysis, communication and collaboration.
How VSM works in various fields?
Manufacturing
With value stream mapping, you can able to trace the waste in the production process. This can be done by simply analyzing every step of the handling of the materials and flow of information. Actually, this is efficient in the lean methodology.
Logistics and supply chain
VSM is one of the essential requirements in order to find out the waste and delays that can be costly in the production process.
Healthcare
With it, steps in treating the patients will be improved in the best possible way.
Common pitfalls
- It requires persistent training. In order to make the most out of the value stream mapping technique, you must acquire the essential skills when it comes to symbol and mapping strategies. To do this, you can get the support and assistance of an expert and reliable facilitator.
- Symbology can affect the way of thinking. Since the VSM uses symbols, there are some instances that you can use these symbols in an inappropriate manner. With this, you must be very careful enough to avoid possible problems that may occur in some future time.
Benefits of Value Stream Mapping
The good thing about this type of method is that it can find and eliminate waste in the production process. As a result, you can now have the chance to deliver the best product or service in the best possible quality. In relation to it, you can also make more innovative solutions on how to attain a higher plateau of success when it comes to your business or organization.
In addition to that, you can also receive great amount of savings when it comes to your projects.
— Slimane Zouggari