Application of value stream mapping and possibilities of manufacturing processes simulations in automotive

Abstract

Value Stream Mapping (VSM) is a commonly assessed method employed for the analysis of manufacturing processes. The principal asset of the method is its ability to identify wastes. Adopting lean manufacturing and lean management rules it is possible to eliminate such wastes. In the paper the case study of a manufacturing process of sleeves is presented. The current value stream map (CSM) and the future value stream map (FSM) of the sleeve manufacturing process are used. They are investigated with the help of Value Stream Analysis (VSA) that assists the process designer in identification and elimination of wastes. However, the authors think that, in order to take into account all the outcomes of the VSM, the analysis should be assisted by complementary tools such as computer simulations (CSs). CSs were implemented to analyse the data concerning a manufacturing process of the sleeve in order to use the results of VSA.