Value Stream Mapping

Written by Mike Nunn

Processes surround us, and they are full of waste.

A Value Stream Map (VSM) can be applied to any business (from Manufacturing to Service) and any department in that business, from Sales to Production. If you want to understand, shorten, or eliminate waste from a process then a VSM is, in my opinion, the BEST place to start.

There are 6 fundamental elements to a good Value Stream Map:
1. Steps - Be sure you define the scope of your VSM before starting, that is what beginning and end steps are. Then let the stakeholders of the process help you fill in the rest. Ensure you capture any waits as steps.
2. Best Time - The fastest time each step can be completed, without rushing.
3. Worst Time - The slowest time each step can be completed.
4. Input - Does that step require any information or materials in order for the step to happen?
5. Output - Does that step generate any information or materials?
6. Issues - What issues are you having with each step? This is where the stakeholders are fundamental, encourage open feedback without judgement or criticism.

Once all the above information is captured for a process you need to identify which steps add value to the customer and which ones do not.

It is essential that when building a VSM that you have ALL the stakeholders in a process involved. Otherwise, you may not have captured all the steps or one of the other components to a Well built Value Stream Map.

Now that you've got a complete VSM it times for improvement, continuous improvement. That's an entirely different set of tools and skills but at least you're off to a good start.