Value Stream Mapping

• Visualize materials and the associated information flows
• Identify non-value-added activities
• Improve all your processes from a systems perspective
• Prioritize activities to reach your future state goal

House of Lean

Value Stream Mapping serves as the entrance to the House of Lean. This tool provides a visual representation of production and support activities from receipt of order to shipment for both material and information flows. Most importantly, this process provides the future state map, which illustrates how value will flow in the future.

The Process

A cross-functional team of about 5-8 participants is formed from departments throughout the organization. Individuals may represent manufacturing, materials, engineering, quality, customer service, etc. A specific product family or project is then selected. The flow of both materials and information are then tracked from receipt of order to shipment. A current state map is drawn using various symbols that depict different activities as well as interactions with customers, vendors, truckers, outside resources, etc. Both value and non-value added processing times are estimated throughout the process. Typically, value-added time accounts for less than 5% of the total lead time. The other 95% becomes the opportunity to significantly reduce lead time and increase throughput.

The next step is to develop a desired future state which outlines the flow of product and information required to realize the new lead time objective. The future state map also utilizes symbols, but now includes kaizen bursts that identify the specific lean manufacturing initiatives that will enable the company to achieve the desired future state.

Upon completion of the mapping process, an implementation plan can be formulated to execute the activities identified in the future state map.

Our Experience and Track Record

Insyte Consulting has Western New York's largest and most diverse staff of Lean Six Sigma manufacturing experts—all with extensive hands-on, industry experience. We have helped WNY companies improve operations using lean manufacturing methodologies for over 25 years. Insyte has worked successfully with more WNY companies using these techniques than any other consulting organization. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your specific situation and how we may contribute to your improved competitiveness and profitability using proven lean manufacturing tools.

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