Product development resembles a maze. The destination is known to have an output, but the journey is uncertain. Value Stream Mapping guides through this uncertainty. It clarifies which paths lead to the goal and which lead to dead ends. It reveals the processes and paths that have the highest value in product development, enabling the right path to be chosen.
In this article, we will explain what value stream mapping is, the symbols used, the tools used, and case studies. Continue reading to get detailed information about value stream mapping.
Contents
What is Value Stream Mapping (VSM)?
Value stream mapping (VSM) is a technique that visualizes, analyzes, and enhances the steps needed to deliver a product or service. As an essential element of lean manufacturing, VSM reviews the sequence of process steps and information flow from the origin to the customer. Similar to other flowcharts, it employs a set of symbols to represent different work activities and information exchanges. VSM is particularly effective for identifying and eliminating waste. Activities are categorized based on whether they add value from the customer’s perspective, intending to remove non-value-adding elements.
You may be interested: What is Lean Manufacturing? Principles, Techniques, and 7 Wastes!
It is crucial to remember that customers prioritize the value of the product or service more than the effort that went into its production or the value that can benefit other customers. Value stream mapping preserves this focus. Typically, the process involves establishing a current state VSM, followed by envisioning an improved approach with a future state and ideal state VSM. You can begin by sketching manually and then transition to VSM software for enhanced communication, analysis, and collaboration. We will present the value stream mapping tools you can use in our article.
Value Stream Mapping (VSM) Symbols
Some symbols are used in value stream maps. The value stream mapping symbols and their meanings are as follows;
VSM process symbols
The process symbols are;
| Symbol | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
 |
Customer/Supplier | The top right represents the customer or the top left the supplier. |
 |
Dedicated Process Flow | A constant flow of activity within a department. |
 |
Shared Process | A process shared by other departments. |
 |
Data Box | Data on process steps such as run time, cycle time and change over time. |
 |
Workcell | Indicates that more than one process is integrated into a work cell within a production process. |
VSM material symbols
The material symbols are;
| Symbol | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
 |
Inventory | Shows the inventory between two processes. |
 |
Shipments | It shows the transportation of raw materials from suppliers to the factory and customers. |
 |
Push Arrow | It is the pushing of material from one process to another. |
 |
Supermarket | An inventory “supermarket” (also called a kanban stock point). |
 |
Material Pull | Transfer of ingredients in a supermarket to the next processes. |
 |
FIFO Lane | “First In, First Out” inventory. |
 |
Safety Stock | Inventory acts as a “hedge” against production issues. |
 |
External Shipment | Represents shipments from suppliers or to customers. |
VSM information symbols
The information symbols are;
| Symbol | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
 |
Production Control | A production scheduling or control operation, department or person |
 |
Manual Info | General information flow from notes or conversations. |
 |
Electronic Info | Electronic data interchange (EDI), internet, wide area network (WAN), local area network (LAN), or intranets. |
 |
Production Kanban | It signals a procurement process to provide a predetermined number of pre-numbered and produced parts to a downstream process. |
 |
Withdrawal Kanban | A device or card that tells a material handler to move parts from a supermarket to the receiving area. |
 |
Signal Kanban | Used when inventory quantities between two processes are minimized. This level is predetermined. |
 |
Kanban Post | The location where Kanban signals are located for pickup. |
 |
Sequenced Pull | A supermarket gives orders to sub-assembly processes to produce a product without using it. |
 |
Load Leveling | A tool that batches Kanban to level production volume. |
 |
MRP/ERP | Scheduling using ERP, MRP, or other centralized systems. |
 |
Go See | Collecting information by observation. |
 |
Verbal Information | Information that is considered verbal or personal. |
VSM general symbols
The general symbols are;
| Symbol | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
 |
Kaizen Burst | It highlights the improvement needed to achieve the value stream map in the future. |
 |
Operator | Indicates the number of operators required to manage the VSM family on a given workstation. |
 |
Other | Used to add other useful information. |
 |
Timeline | Shows cycle times and wait/down times. Used for calculating Lead Time and Total Cycle Time. |
Value Stream Mapping Tools
Microsoft Visio
Microsoft Visio is a visual diagramming program offered as part of the Microsoft Office suite. This software allows users to visualize different charts, diagrams, and business processes. Microsoft Visio is equipped with various templates, icons and other features that enable users to create visual elements.
Microsoft Visio offers a user-friendly interface and facilitates the process of visual diagramming. It offers users a variety of schema and diagram templates and allows them to customize these templates. It also allows the addition of icons, lines, shapes and other visual elements. It allows text, tables and other elements to be added to diagrams. Microsoft Visio is widely used by many businesses, educational institutions, and other organizations around the world and is considered an essential tool for visual diagramming.
Lucidchart
Lucidchart is an application designed for the web-based creation of various diagrams and visual presentations. This platform allows users to easily create various elements such as flowcharts, organization charts, network diagrams, mind maps, wireframes, etc. It has become a common choice in the business world, especially for visualizing complex processes, systems, and concepts with simple and understandable diagrams.
SmartDraw
SmartDraw serves as an online diagramming and charting tool. It helps businesses of different scales to manage their diagramming processes. It can function as a powerful flowchart, organization chart, floor plan creation, and drawing program. It offers more than 70 different diagram types and thousands of templates to choose from. SmartDraw can be used in various fields such as geographical maps, health diagrams, and floor plans. The web version is accessible on various devices. There is also a downloadable version for Windows computers.
Visual Paradigm
Visual Paradigm stands out as a cloud-based VSM flowcharting tool. You do not need to install any application to start value stream mapping. Also, collaborating with project or process stakeholders becomes more efficient and cost-effective when using Visual Paradigm. Because it requires no installation, anyone can comment or add content to improve the overall VSM flowchart.
The Visual Paradigm VSM editor comes with standard VSM symbols, providing a convenient option for business-class VSM flowcharts. It also includes additional creative and professional shapes that will add additional value to your VSM process.
Creately
Creately‘s VSM tool helps you identify non-value-adding or unnecessary steps in your current business process. The tool provides a dashboard where you can easily visualize added value and unnecessary effort, so you can take steps to reduce waste. When you reduce waste, value automatically increases.
EdrawMax
EdrawMax is an ideal solution for creating various diagrams such as 2D drawings, floor plans, flowcharts, etc. This desktop application is equipped with CAD tools and offers a range of features to make users’ work easier. Especially suitable for application developers and technical builders, these tools are very useful for technicians and other professionals.
One of the notable features of EdrawMax is that it has preloaded templates and offers various resources from which users can draw inspiration for their drawings. However, if you want to make special arrangements or structures, the program provides special shapes and tools for specific diagrams. It also stands out for its data import and export capabilities. This feature makes it easier for users when develop diagrams using different tools or platforms. In short, EdrawMax offers a wide range of benefits to its users.
Value Stream Mapping Examples
We have added value stream mapping examples below, which you can review. If you want, you can create the map using the symbols above.
Value Stream Map in Software Development: Agile Project Management
In the world of software development, it is crucial to implement effective project management to deliver the service on time. Value stream mapping is a valuable tool in this context, particularly when implementing Agile methodologies.
Imagine a software development company. This company makes mobile applications. They use Agile frameworks like Scrum or Kanban to manage their projects. Value stream mapping in this context involves visualizing the entire software development process, from ideation to deployment.
The value stream map would include steps such as requirements gathering, design, development, testing, and deployment. Each stage would be analyzed to identify areas of waste, such as waiting time between tasks, rework due to unclear requirements, or delays in testing.
By mapping out the value stream, the development team can streamline their workflow, improve communication and collaboration between team members, and identify opportunities for automation or process improvement. For example, they might implement continuous integration and delivery pipelines to automate the build and deployment process, reducing lead time and increasing the frequency of software releases.
Ultimately, value stream mapping helps software development teams deliver higher-quality products more efficiently, meeting customer needs and staying competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
You may be interested: What is Project Management? Types, Benefits, and Phases
Value Stream Map in Manufacturing: Automobile Production
In the automobile manufacturing industry, every second counts. Value stream mapping is crucial for optimizing the production process and ensuring timely delivery of vehicles to customers.
Let’s proceed with the example of a car production facility. The value stream map would depict the entire production process, from the arrival of raw materials to the shipment of finished vehicles. Each step, including assembly, painting, quality control, and packaging, would be analyzed for its efficiency and value-added activities.
By mapping out the value stream, manufacturers can identify areas of waste, such as unnecessary movement of materials or overproduction, and implement strategies to eliminate them. This could involve rearranging workstations for better flow, implementing just-in-time inventory systems, or standardizing processes to reduce variability.
Ultimately, value stream mapping helps automobile manufacturers streamline their operations, reduce costs, and improve overall productivity, leading to greater customer satisfaction and competitiveness in the market.
Value Stream Map in the Food Industry: Restaurant Operations
Restaurants are a dynamic environment where efficiency is key to providing excellent service and maximizing profitability. Value stream mapping can be incredibly beneficial in optimizing restaurant operations and enhancing the dining experience for customers.
Consider a busy restaurant that serves a variety of dishes to its patrons. The value stream map would illustrate the entire dining experience, from the moment customers enter the establishment to when they leave.
Key steps in the value stream might include seating, ordering, food preparation, cooking, plating, serving, and payment. Each of these steps will be analyzed to identify opportunities for improvement and mistake reduction.
For instance, the restaurant might discover that there are bottlenecks in the kitchen during peak hours, leading to longer wait times for food. By visualizing the value stream, they can reorganize the kitchen layout, standardize recipes, or cross-train staff to increase efficiency.
Similarly, they might find that there are delays in the payment process due to the manual handling of checks or credit card transactions. Implementing technology solutions like mobile payment systems or digital ordering platforms can streamline this part of the value stream and improve the overall dining experience for customers.
By continuously monitoring and improving their value stream map, restaurants can enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and deliver exceptional service, ultimately leading to greater customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Videos Related to Value Stream Mapping
We would like to suggest you a video about the value stream mapping. You can learn about value stream mapping by watching this video. You can click HERE for more videos.
