Definition of Value Stream Mapping

Value stream mapping, used for process improvement, was known as "material and information flow mapping" when it was created by Toyota to interpret the flow of products.

Definition

Value stream mapping is the process of tracking products throughout the production cycle, from delivery as raw goods, through every manufacturing process, to finished product. This process, which helps companies see the flow of goods and increase productivity, is intended to eliminate unnecessary waste in the production process.

Benefits

Value stream mapping helps companies see where the production process is being slowed down and allows teams to come up with goals to eliminate the cause of the slowdown. It pinpoints the corporation's bottom line and enables it to improve techniques that otherwise would be hard to visualize. It also helps connect the corporate level to the plant level, showing the whole flow of a single product.

Lean Manufacturing Strategy

Value stream mapping allows companies to perfect and assess their lean manufacturing strategy, which consists of core disciplines, consolidation, and continuous improvement. Value stream mapping makes it possible to break down the process into phases and develop an action plan to be worked out.

References

• Value Based Management: Value Stream Mapping - Waste Visualisation
• Doug Williams & Associates: Value Stream Mapping
• Strategos: Lean Manufacturing Strategy