WK 2 – 02 EXERCISE “Mapping a Value Stream”
Mike Hincks
Chapter 4 of Lean For Dummies introduces you to the tool of value stream mapping (VSM). This tool enables you to “see” the end-to-end process as it truly is—bringing previously unseen areas of waste to the surface.
Starting from the process you selected for WK 2 - 01 EXERCISE “Value-Add and Non-Value,” draw a basic “current state” value stream map for your selected process.
· Begin by placing the internal or external customer at the top of your map and showing the signals or information they provide that initiates the process. Along the horizontal, draw out the steps of the basic process sequence. Finish the map by drawing how the output of the process is delivered to the customer.
· For each process step, take your work from the previous exercise and indicate whether it is value-add (VA) or non-value-add (NVA).
· Annotate your “current state” value stream map with indications of inventory/work in process/backlog levels at key points in the process sequence.
· Calculate the overall lead time needed to complete the process by listing/estimating the total elapsed time it currently takes to complete each process step and then adding these elapsed times together.
· Create an appropriate “current state” box score at the top of your value stream map. In the box score, include metrics that are key to your selected process, but be sure to include the customer takt time, total lead time, and value-added only time. Some other metrics to consider are distance traveled, number of interchanges/hand-offs, average number of rework/fixes, how many items produced per standard block of time, etc.
To complete this exercise, attach the Microsoft Office file you used to document your value stream map into a reply to this exercise posting. Or you can simply take a picture of your hand-drawn value stream map with your cell phone and then attach that.
To create and send your response, just select this note and click on the Reply button, add your file or photo, and click Send.
Thanks!
ajones
