A value stream map communicates material needs and information flow for a family of parts. It's used as a visual reference for focused improvements, and provides a foundation on which to base Lean initiatives from the customer perspective.

A common vision is created for everyone connected to the targeted value stream, for both current states (what's happening now during the process) and future states (what it will look like when waste is eliminated and the process is improved).

Purpose

To process map the material and information flow for a family of parts (i.e. value stream).

Who Does It?

A cross-functional team made up of production, material planning, quality, and floor personnel.

Time Frame

One to two days.

Tools and Techniques

Icons for value stream mapping used to visually represent the elements of a value stream.

Future State Guidelines used to help ensure waste is eliminated.

Kaizen used for creating events to change the current state to the future state.

This mapping tool originated with Toyota and is used in manufacturing operations throughout the world. All too often, however, the value stream maps are not well implemented or sustained because the right people are not involved and there are no formal means of communication and follow-up.

Create the current and future state maps...