Value Stream Analysis
Value stream analysis, commonly referred to as value stream mapping, is a graphics-based analytical tool most often used in manufacturing. Its origins are found with Toyota and their manufacturing system that focuses on lean manufacturing principles (Agyapong-Kodua, Ajaefobi, Weston, 2009). What makes value stream mapping such a useful analytical tool for manufacturing is that it can, “help identify wasteful activities related to process segments, by analyzing those activities or actions needed to produce products specified by customers” (Agyapong-Kodua, Ajaefobi, Weston, p. 411, 2009). Additionally, it allows the HPT specialist the opportunity to visually study manufacturing design and redesign of its processes, making it a great tool for process improvement (Agyapong-Kodua, Ajaefobi, Weston, 2009). Its greatest benefit is that it helps companies prevent waste (Howell, 2013).
Value stream mapping is easy to understand because it nothing more than a map of a process. Thus, it can be used outside of manufacturing, even though that is where it is most often used. Some benefits of value stream mapping include (Howell, 2013):
· It is quick and easy to learn
· Portrays the production process from beginning to end
· Finds bottlenecks and waste in a process
· Inexpensive, all you need is a big piece of paper
· Can be easily critiqued and refined
To create a value stream map you can follow these steps (Howell, 2013):
1. Gather Preliminary Information
2. Create a Product Quantity Routing Analysis
3. Group Customers and Sort Materials
4. Sort Product Families by Process Sequence
5. Choose One Value Stream
6. Create an Operations Flow Chart
7. Collect the Data
8. Construct the Value Stream Map
9. Summarize the Data and get the Big Picture
Once completed you should have a good idea of how your production process is flowing and will be able to see any bottlenecks or waste in it. This simple, easy analytical tool is very powerful for any company wishing to find efficiency and process improvement.
Value stream mapping is easy to understand because it nothing more than a map of a process. Thus, it can be used outside of manufacturing, even though that is where it is most often used. Some benefits of value stream mapping include (Howell, 2013):
· It is quick and easy to learn
· Portrays the production process from beginning to end
· Finds bottlenecks and waste in a process
· Inexpensive, all you need is a big piece of paper
· Can be easily critiqued and refined
To create a value stream map you can follow these steps (Howell, 2013):
1. Gather Preliminary Information
2. Create a Product Quantity Routing Analysis
3. Group Customers and Sort Materials
4. Sort Product Families by Process Sequence
5. Choose One Value Stream
6. Create an Operations Flow Chart
7. Collect the Data
8. Construct the Value Stream Map
9. Summarize the Data and get the Big Picture
Once completed you should have a good idea of how your production process is flowing and will be able to see any bottlenecks or waste in it. This simple, easy analytical tool is very powerful for any company wishing to find efficiency and process improvement.
resources:
- Howell, V. W. (2013). Value Stream Mapping. (cover story). Ceramic Industry, 163(8), 24-26.
- Agyapong-Kodua, K. K., Ajaefobi, J. O., & Weston, R. H. (2009). Modelling dynamic value streams in support of process design and evaluation. International Journal Of Computer Integrated Manufacturing, 22(5), 411-427. doi:10.1080/09511920802527574