Value Stream Mapping (VSM)
Value Stream Mapping visualizes the entire material and information flow of a product -- from raw material to customer. It makes waste and bottlenecks visible at a glance.
Value Stream Mapping (VSM) is a method for depicting the complete production process on a single page. It shows: Material and information flows, process times, inventory between stations, setup times, and total lead time.
The approach: First, the current state (Current State Map) is drawn -- directly at the Gemba, with stopwatch and pencil. Then the future state (Future State Map) is designed to eliminate waste and improve flow.
The strength of Value Stream Mapping lies in the bird's-eye view: While individual process improvements often create only local optima, VSM shows the full picture. Often the greatest waste lies not in the process itself, but in the waiting times between steps.
Typical findings from a Value Stream Map: The value-add ratio (processing time / lead time) is often below 5%. The rest is waiting, storing, transporting. This insight is the strongest lever for improvement.
Formula
Value-Add Ratio = Processing Time / Lead Time x 100%
Practical Example
A Value Stream Map in electronics manufacturing shows: Lead time 18 days, of which only 47 minutes is actual processing time (0.018%). Biggest time waster: 8 days of storage time between PCB assembly and soldering. By introducing a pull system, lead time drops to 5 days.
How Leanshift Helps
Leanshift provides the data for Value Stream Mapping: Precise process times, cycle times per station, and waiting times. The target state calculator automatically computes metrics like lead time and value-add ratio.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Value Stream Mapping take?
Recording the current state typically takes 1-3 days (depending on complexity). Drawing the Future State Map and action planning takes another 1-2 days.
Do you need software for Value Stream Mapping?
For recording, paper, pencil, and a stopwatch are sufficient. Software helps with documentation and metric calculation -- this is exactly where Leanshift supports with digital process recording.
What is the difference between Value Stream Mapping and process analysis?
Process analysis examines a single process step in detail. Value Stream Mapping shows the entire flow across all stations -- including the waste between steps.
Related Terms
Cycle Time
Cycle time measures how long a single process step actually takes -- from start to finished result. It is the foundation of every process analysis.
Lead Time
Lead time measures the total duration from order receipt to delivery -- including all waiting, storage, and transport times. It determines delivery capability.
Kaizen
Kaizen means 'change for the better' and describes the philosophy of continuous, incremental improvement by all employees -- every day, everywhere.