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ROI CalculatorThe purpose of value stream mapping is to analyze, design, and manage the flow of materials and information needed to deliver a product to a customer. It is sometimes referred to as "material and information-flow mapping". The design process uses standard symbols and is very straightforward in that it not only depicts streams of control but also streams of information. Each item in the map is identified as either supporting the process or not supporting it as far as end users are concerned.
The application of value stream mapping methodology in the manufacturing process is clear. It's easier to visualize the bottlenecks in an assembly line since they involve the completion of a process through various stations. If there is a problem with assembling the vehicle, people working at the line can see how parts are piling up and blocking a section of the assembly line. They can immediately stop the line to fix the problem.
However, value stream mapping applications are not limited to assembly line cases. Lean value stream mapping is also actively used in knowledge work since it makes teams better communicate.
A significant proportion of waste in knowledge work happens due to handoffs between team members, not at the individual steps. Unproductive handoffs will cause high levels of waste. Value stream mapping is useful in spotting waste and improving production throughput. Value stream mapping can be done for both product and customer delivery streams. Product flow investigates actions aimed at improving product completion. Customer flow traces actions aimed at fulfilling requests and expectations of final customers.
Value stream mapping is critical for business sustainability. Here’s why:
Elimination of waste will positively affect the finances of the organization. In addition to that, you will get to know the cause and nature of waste.
In the case of wasteful handoffs being identified thanks to value stream visualizers, teams will make a conscious effort in changing their behavior and communication habits.
In value stream mapping, the group must leave individual viewpoints and place emphasis on the customer’s perspective.
Value stream mapping can be uneconomical if you are not careful. Here’s how you can dodge the usual drawbacks:
The LOE (Level of Effort) involved in performing value stream mapping should be weighed against the anticipated level of usefulness and cost savings and keep an eye on the ROI from the very start.
Make sure you have seasoned business and product veterans on board for the value stream mapping process to accommodate the fact that the mapping process can be very cross-functional and complex.
Practicing value stream mapping is likely to bring feelings of uncertainty since the process of identifying wastes is challenging.
The improvements in various steps will definitely produce cost savings, but only after going through the entire process and doing value stream mapping.
Do not hurry to employ professional maps, tools, and symbols immediately. Use a pencil or a whiteboard to sketch your idea first and only when everything is clear, formalize the map properly.
