Lean methodology
Value Stream Mapping
A value stream mapping that visualizes material and information flows from demand to delivery.
Value Stream Mapping (VSM) is a Lean method used to map the material and information flows of a process, from customer demand to delivery. The method has its roots in the Toyota Production System and gained international renown in the late 1990s through the book 'Learning to See'. The guiding principle: examine the entire chain so that improvements in one area do not come at the expense of performance elsewhere.
In manufacturing and logistics, VSM visualizes where value is added and where time and capacity are lost. Together with the employees involved, you map the current state, including processing times, waiting times, inventory levels, and handoffs. Next, you design a desired future state and determine what improvements are needed to achieve it.
When applied properly, VSM helps shorten lead times, reduce work-in-progress, and align processes more effectively. It reveals bottlenecks and their interdependencies, allowing you to prioritize improvements in a targeted manner. The result is a shared perspective on the chain and a concrete improvement plan for a more efficient, reliable operation.
What is Value Stream Mapping?
Value Stream Mapping, often referred to as VSM, brings process steps, waiting times, inventory, and information flow together into a single overview.
When do you use it?
Use VSM to assess departments as a single chain and determine where lead time and capacity are lost.
What are the benefits?
A shared picture of the current situation and a concrete blueprint for a shorter, more stable flow.