Simple example of Value Stream Mapping
(click on the picture to zoom in)

What is Value Stream Mapping? 

Value Stream Mapping is a systems approach to Lean Manufacturing, based on looking at the complete flow of a selected control part through its sequence of operations.

The purpose of a value stream map is to identify waste, particularly excess inventory, in the process and then to develop an improvement plan to reduce that waste. A complete Value Stream Mapping project consists of a Current State Map - where we are now, a Future State Map - the ideal, and an improvement plan to move from the current state towards the ideal future state.

At the same time as mapping material flows, an important part of the Value Stream Mapping process is to map information flows, and we can help you select a pacemaker process and synchronise information and material flows.

 Learning to Map Value Streams

Learning to map value streams (and what to do with them when you have them mapped!) is best done focusing on your own value streams and using an external facilitator.  Productivity Europe are experienced VSM facilitators and consultants and can help you get the best from this valuable technique.

Our Foundations of Lean Workshop

For an overview of the process, we run a Foundations of Lean Public Workshop . For more details, download our Foundations of Lean public workshop brochure , which introduces participants to the basic theory and practice, using video case studies.