Use Of Value Stream Mapping Research Articles

Case study in using value stream mapping in online graduate education

Given the rise in demand for online, graduate degree programs there is a need to guide program planning and evaluation professionals within institutions of higher education to utilize continuous quality improvement (CQI) strategies. Using principles of design thinking and CQI, the purpose of this case study was to describe a CQI project that sought to develop a better understanding of adult students’ experience progressing through their plan of study in an online doctoral program. As part of the CQI project, value stream mapping (VSM) was used to gain visibility and perspective on the actions required by faculty and staff to guide students through their plan of study. The VSM process provided information that led to conversations that furthered the CQI efforts and led to changes in the adult education program that would benefit all students. Improvement processes that lead to better quality and more positive experiences for users are valuable. This case study demonstrates the processes, challenges, lessons, and future directions in the use of VSM to better understand online graduate programs designed for adult learners.

Standards of Value Stream Mapping as a tool supporting logistics processes in the healthcare system in Poland

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) a health system consists of many components like organizations, institutions, resources, and people whose primary purpose is to improve health. The system is complex and requires staff, funds, information, supplies, transport, communications and overall guidance and direction to function properly. These elements interact with each other and, as in the logistics system, there are uninterrupted physical, decision-making and information flows between its most important elements, which include: service providers, service recipients (patients), a payer (the National Health Fund), control and supervision institutions, the Ministry of Health. The Polish healthcare system is struggling with many problems, such as insufficient access to health services, inefficient system management, shortages of medical staff, or underfunding. The use of Value Stream Mapping (VSM) standards can significantly contribute to the improvement of logistics processes of the Polish healthcare system. The standards can be also used to improve the processes of treatment of other diseases, but also the functioning of healthcare units.The aim of the article is to present the possibility of applying Value Stream Mapping standards in the process of ischemic stroke treatment as the results of the project ‘Lean Management in Healthcare’, implemented by the consortium consisting of the Medical University of Warsaw, the Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology in Warsaw and the Polish Society of Health Economics, financed by the National Centre for Research and Development under contract no. IS-2/200/NCBR/2015.

Value-Stream Mapping as a Tool to Improve Production and Energy Consumption: A Case Study of a Manufacturer of Industrial Hand Tools

Manufacturing companies strive to minimize costs, maximize efficiency and improve production quality, which is crucial for market competitiveness. As companies grow and technologies evolve, increasingly complex challenges arise in effectively managing and improving production processes. One of the tools that helps companies improve their processes is value-stream mapping (VSM). The article focuses on the use of VSM in the production process of hand tools used in the construction industry. The paper presents selected aspects of the optimization of the production process using the mapping concept. The research identified and characterized the most important processes occurring in the production of hand tools used in construction. Then, basic data on the value stream was collected and the need for improvements and actions aimed at optimizing the value stream was indicated. Financial results, key performance indicators (KPIs), machine operation and reliability, energy consumption in the production process and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) before and after improvements were calculated. The analysis carried out allowed for the optimization of the production process in terms of economy and energy consumption. As a result of the improvements, the productivity of injection-molding workers increased by 9.4% and the overall equipment efficiency by 18%. The machine availability rate increased from 70.3% to 85.2%. After implementing the improvements, the company is able to save approximately 295,488 kWh annually, i.e., approximately EUR 53,253, while 1 kWh currently costs producers in Poland EUR 0.18. The conclusions and results described in the paper constitute a solid basis for further development of an improvement project for the selected company.

A tentative integration of value stream mapping (VSM) and BPMN for improved process mapping

AbstractTo promote knowledge management and operations improvement, companies and organizations use different tools to map and analyze their processes, such as Value Stream Mapping (MFV) and Business Process Modeling and Notation (BPMN). However, each of these techniques has advantages and limitations, often requiring the same process to be mapped in more than one notation. To overcome this issue, this research aimed to explore how VSM and BPMN can be integrated for improving process mapping. Initially, we selected a business process for case study and mapped it with both VSM and BPMN notations. Then, we drawn a new process map using a tentative hybrid notation proposed by the authors that combine elements from both BPMN and VSM in a single depiction. For each process instantiation, we analyzed how the selected notation influences comprehension, treatment of complex processes, continuous improvement, and the use of performance metrics. Results show that the hybrid BPMN‐VSM notation has the potential to overcome many limitations reported in literature regarding the individual use of VSM or BPMN, while preserving the most valued characteristics of both. Although further developments are still necessary, the use of the proposed hybrid notation proved to be a promising alternative for mapping complex processes. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt to explore the possibility of a hybrid notation inspired from BPMN and VSM.

Use of value stream mapping to improve the medication synchronization process

BackgroundLean methodology, specifically value stream mapping, can be used to identify and reduce inefficiencies in the medication synchronization process. ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to (1) evaluate potential medication synchronization process improvements to reduce nonvalue-added actions, (2) assess fidelity to the medication synchronization core components, and (3) identify the best process for medication synchronization for an independent community pharmacy with multiple locations. MethodsThis study used an observational, cross-sectional design. A value stream map was created to provide a detailed illustration of each step in the medication synchronization process. Time for each step of the medication synchronization process was observed on site on different days and times as well as the time required to process, package, and verify prescription medications. These steps were conducted before interventions were made to the process and after to compare the difference. The organizational readiness for change tool was administered to employees of the independent pharmacy before interventions to determine their perspective of the medication synchronization process and assess their readiness for change. ResultsOwing to various interventions made to the medication synchronization process, 2 steps in the process were eliminated. This resulted in a decrease in adherence packaging time workflow by 69.4%. Staff (n = 9) rated the medication synchronization process on 4 components: acceptability of the current process (13.8 ± 3.6), intervention appropriateness (13.7 ± 3.7), feasibility of a new medication synchronization process (17.1 ± 2.3), and organizational level of support (21.8 ± 4.1). ConclusionValue stream mapping proved to be a valuable tool in identifying inefficiencies in the medication synchronization process and reducing nonvalue-added waste. The result was a decrease in time required for adherence packaging workflow and a more standardized medication synchronization process across multiple independent pharmacy locations. This more standardized process can play a key role in improving the continuity of patient care, increasing medication adherence, and in turn decreasing the number of hospital admissions.

Performance Improvement through Value Stream Mapping – A Manufacturing Case Study

The successfulness of Value Stream Mapping (VSM) as a tool for taking a snapshot of the production flow efficiency is well established. The development of a large-scale visual map of processes and their interactions is beneficial for problem analysis and subsequent solution. Through VSM, managers gain a deeper understanding of the organization processes carried out in coordination with people in a system approach. A case study was conducted at a Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) in Pakistan which manufactures ceiling fan winding machines. The aim of this study was to explore the possibilities of shortening the lead-time, waste and highlight important strategies, steps which could be undertaken by management for improvement in productivity, cost and quality. The study maps the organization systematically through the use of VSM. The Lean Implementation Techniques (LIT) steps were followed with identification of value stream process, lean metrics, mapping of current state and proposing an improved future state value stream map. The intervention suggested is layout modification by reducing 7 stations to 6 stations and streamlining the operations. The layout modification results in lower defects, controlling overproduction, managing inventory buffers from a linear approach to an optimized level. This also resulted in reduction of processing time of each unit by around 19 % and the production lead time of 100 units by around 21%. This study through VSM proposes improvement by enforcing pull system, supplier relations, modifying layout and production processes, Just in Time (JIT) delivery of materials and parts, scheduling transport resources efficiently and reducing inventory buffers.

Using Value Stream Mapping to Eliminate Waste: A Case Study of a Steel Pipe Manufacturer

Value Stream Mapping (VSM) is a popular and easy tool for visualizing production processes in enterprise. It allows one to eliminate or reduce waste, i.e., activities that do not create added value for the customer. The versatility of this tool allows it to be used in industry. There are theoretical, methodological, and practical aspects encountered by practitioners in developing Value Stream Mapping (VSM) for a specific manufacturing industry, but they are not fully resolved and require clarification. This paper presents a case study that describes the use of Value Stream Mapping (VSM) in the production of steel pipes. Relevant data from this process were collected and analyzed at the start of the project. An initial process was mapped, associated waste was identified, and then future processes were mapped. The financial results were estimated. Consequently, the process was improved, and savings were achieved. The article should constitute the basis for further development of an improvement project for a selected company aimed at improving the areas identified in a given article.

Reducing waste order production process more efficient approach effective and lean manufacturing (Journal Review)

Competition in the world of business goods industries such as the furniture / furniture are increasingly stringent and evolving demands of companies to always make improvements and increased performance so as to develop better and compete with other competitors. Companies should employ Lean Manufacturing approach to produce efficient products to reduce production costs through efficiencies. Wastage contained in Lean manufacturing concepts include overproduction, excess material transportation, waiting, unnecessary processes, inventory, movement and defective products. The use of value stream mapping to identify wastage and explore the potential for waste at the firm. The potential of the waste will be reduced using appropriate instruments based on selected indicators. In this paper is expected to result in a more efficient production process so as to reduce production costs and will generate higher profits especially industrial goods.

Value Stream Mapping: Effective Lean Tool for SMEs

The competitive manufacturing scenario demands product at less cost and at highest quality. To deliver the products to customer at highest quality with less cost every organization has to optimize their resources. To achieve this task organizations are trying to reduce wastages at each stage of manufacturing. Lean manufacturing is a philosophy which mainly focuses on identifying and eliminating wastages from each step in the production chain of the product. Lean tools can help manufacturing organizations to have check on wastages. Value Stream Mapping (VSM) is one of the important lean tools which provide a broader picture of material and information flow starting with raw material and ending with the customer. This paper presents use of VSM in medium scale manufacturing organization. Implementation of VSM leads to saving of 47.62 shifts i.e. Saving of 336 hours per year. The total annual saving of INR 100 800 is achieved by company.

Approach to Value Stream Mapping for Make-To-Order Manufacturing

This paper presents a new approach to the Value Stream Mapping (VSM), a proven tool of Lean Manufacturing (LM) in a Make-To-Order (MTO) manufacturing environment. The use of VSM in mass production has proven to be successful due to the predictable volume and repetitive product type. Within a MTO environment the product is tailored to specific requirements and varying volumes make it hard to balance production causing lean waste. The approach combines the classic VSM technique with commonality analysis to get a better understanding of the processes. Author illustrates this approach using a case study. Using VSM for MTO requires some changes to capture the attributes of product families required at different frequencies and volumes successfully.

Using fuzzy cost–time profile for effective implementation of lean programmes; SAIPA automotive manufacturer, case study

Today, many manufacturing companies have turned their attention to leanness. The first step in implementation of lean manufacturing is identification of wastes and values in the production processes where value stream mapping (VSM) by using the current state map (CSM) and future state map (FSM) is one of the best tools in this area. While VSM has many benefits, there are some limitations that can be considered when considering the time as the only factor in choosing the best FSM among some proposed FSMs. This paper emphasises the effective use of VSM relying on the removal of some of the common constraints in the subject literature, and cost is considered as another major selection factor along with the time, and for each FSM, the new fuzzy approach of cost–time profile (CTP) has been considered and compared. Also, among the other limitations of VSM is considering deterministic data and regardless of the effect of uncertainty in production processes, which in this study, the data of FSM, using fuzzy analysis and taking into account uncertainty is provided. Finally, in order to explain the effectiveness of the presented method, this approach has been implemented in one of the largest automobile manufacturers in Iran.

Value stream mapping in Indonesia's shoe industry: an alternative tool to map innovation ecosystem

It is believed that open innovation implementation could help SMEs to compete in the global market. To do so, the mapping of innovation ecosystem is needed as the precursor to any open innovation initiatives. Previous studies show that there is a similarity between the innovation process and the value chain. Interestingly, there have only been a few studies that try to explore the relationship between the innovation process and the value chain. This paper attempts to map an innovation ecosystem using the value chain analysis approach. This paper, explores the use of value stream mapping (VSM) as an alternative tool to comprehend the innovation ecosystem in the form of an industry cluster. Specifically, the paper tries to understand the nature of the innovation ecosystem of Cibaduyut shoe industry, which is an Indonesian industry cluster, by performing VSM. This knowledge, further, will be used for strategising individual open innovation initiatives and various policies.

Use of Value Stream Mapping to Reduce Outpatient CT Scan Wait Times

Use of Value Stream Mapping to Reduce Outpatient CT Scan Wait Times

Material Handling and Assembly Process Optimization using Value Stream Mapping

<span>The purpose of this project is to evaluate and optimize an assembly process for ergonomic and productivity considerations. Companies use lean manufacturing as a method for continuous improvement in order to increase throughput and for to reallocate resources for more important tasks. For this project, value stream mapping (VSM) was used to evaluate, analyze, and improve the ergonomic factors of an assembly process and to increasing throughput. With the use of VSM, researchers are able to see the areas of added value, non-added value, and bottlenecks. This project illustrates the implementation of VSM for the minimization of waste, by using the design method to restructure the process of assembly. The results show drastic improvement in assembly time and ergonomic workplace design, while providing a platform for a continuous improvement system.</span>

Value Stream Mapping as a tool for the optimization of production – case study

The aim of the paper is to present the possibility of introducing improvements in processes concerning production logistics basing on the use of value stream mapping. An analysis of the current situation in order to identify waste and problems in the stream flow has been carried out. Subsequently, a future shape map has been drafted with a proposal concerning the manner in which future state ought to be achieved. The thesis is concluded with a general summary as well as conclusions regarding the studied subject and the proposals for further work.

Value Stream and System Dynamics Analysis – An Automotive Case Study

One way to reduce costs in companies is decreasing inventory levels and improving the value flow. In the present case study a production line where automotive door seals are manufactured was analyzed. First, an analysis with the use of value stream mapping was undertaken in order to identify processes and a material flow. The current state and future state maps were developed. Then, these maps were used to prepare the model of the production system, of which dynamics have been analyzed with the use of Vensim software. As the results, the dynamics of inventory levels along with the manufacturing system were obtained.

Making the value flow: application of value stream mapping in a Brazilian public healthcare organisation

During the last decade, there has been a demand for public services to enhance management practices and attain results comparable to those experienced in the private sector. The need for achieving higher quality standards in public services has highlighted the importance of exploring new management techniques to account for the obsolescence in those organisations’ administrative models, with particular emphasis on healthcare services. This paper reports the application of one such new management technique, named value stream mapping (VSM), in the sterilised materials unit of a public healthcare organisation. In the case study presented here, we demonstrate the benefits of analysing healthcare processes using VSM; most notably reduction of wastes, inventory levels, and production lead times. The contribution of this article is twofold. First, it adds to the existing body of knowledge on lean management by examining the validity of applying lean principles and practices in contexts other than manufacturing. Second, it provides a detailed description of VSM applied in a hospital sterilisation unit; even though lean healthcare applications have been increasingly reported in the literature, to the best of our knowledge this is the first study to address the use of VSM in such context.

Case study: using value stream mapping in the educational process - how focusing on student actions can help depict the teaching process

Although many lean higher education efforts have focused on administrative/support services and processes, only a few actual applications of lean methods have been meant for teaching, which is the core business of higher education. The absence of experiments and research in these contexts has challenged us to apply lean to our own undergraduate course. We have paid special attention in this experiment to the use of Value Stream Mapping (VSM) to depict teaching process, the shortcomings of VSM and the use of service blueprinting.

Use of VSM for identifying the problem area in testing lab - a case study

Lean manufacturing has become a common approach today for organisations seeking better quality of products, cost reduction and time efficiency. This study describes a case where lean principles were applied to a testing laboratory in service sector. It also describes importance of value stream mapping (VSM) in identifying wastage in the system and visualise process to improve it. This is analysed using Takt time calculations and identification of gap areas for achieving the desired objective.

Case study: using value stream mapping in the educational process - how focusing on student actions can help depict the teaching process

Although many lean higher education efforts have focused on administrative/support services and processes, only a few actual applications of lean methods have been meant for teaching, which is the core business of higher education. The absence of experiments and research in these contexts has challenged us to apply lean to our own undergraduate course. We have paid special attention in this experiment to the use of Value Stream Mapping (VSM) to depict teaching process, the shortcomings of VSM and the use of service blueprinting.