Value stream mapping implementation: an operational view

Abstract

Value stream mapping (VSM) is an important tool which identifies and reduces errors and losses, and enhance product quality which could lead to empowered production unit and the reduction of production cost in a lean production (LP) environment. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the operational principles of lean approach using proposed processes for VSM implementation, and through extracting the required information of VSM, and using related methods and techniques. Based on a case study in a manufacturing firm and using VSM technique, the operational processes and the specific steps which cause loss in production process were identified and removed using Kaizen approach. The obtained results show increased value added in final product, improved production process, reduced lead time and improved value creating time, which are shown in the future VSM. Using principles of VSM and following a Kaizen approach, helped the authors to identify loss points, and make right decisions to choose the best methods and lean tools for improvement. The surveyed company can avail the proposed method and future VSM towards analysing its current processes and making the necessary changes toward decreasing production cost and enhanced product quality which could lead to increased customer satisfaction.