The team of Lean and visual management specialists here at Clarity are dedicated to helping businesses across multiple sectors to achieve operational excellence. In order for OpEx to come to fruition, continuous improvement must first be established across your entire workplace. Value Stream Mapping is a cornerstone of this approach, so in this blog we’re explaining what VSM is, how it works, which sectors it can be applied to, and the benefits it will bring to your teams.
If you want to put in place continuous improvement, you must first begin with Value Stream Mapping. This follows a fundamental two-stage process, which involves establishing the Current State map (what happens today) and finding improvements to create the Future State map (an ideal future state of how the process will look after improvements).
This must be done at the very beginning, as the process of observing, studying and tracking the current process to map it is the most effective way to identify successful and sustainable improvements. It also ensures the improvements are based on factual data and a mutual understanding of the Current State by all stakeholders. This is essential before we jump into solution mode as we might otherwise risk creating improvements based on incorrect assumptions.
At this stage we should remind you that continuous improvement is very much about even the smallest changes, as the cumulative effect of minor adjustments can lead to game-changing operational enhancement.
As mentioned above, Value Stream Mapping involves every element of a product’s journey, but what exactly does that mean? Below are all of the factors that need to be considered when creating a Value Stream Map:
By taking this holistic approach, a clear picture of the product’s value stream can be effectively mapped out without omitting even the smallest of details.
There are many benefits that VSM will bring to your business. Aside from the clarity and confidence that accompany a comprehensive understanding of how things work, your teams will also achieve the following:
VSM is particularly prevalent in the manufacturing industry but it can actually be applied to a wide variety of sectors, such as:
Due to VSM visually depicting the flow of your processes and the information that controls that flow, the considerations, results and actions going forward will be completely unique to your workplace. As a result, there isn’t a template per se, but that’s what the Lean management specialists at Clarity are here to help you create from scratch.
Simply book an initial consultation with one of our Senior Visual Management Consultants and we’ll show you how to analyse your product cycle from start to finish, allowing an in-depth Value Mapping Stream to be designed that will support your teams in maximising quality and profitability whilst running a more sustainable business through improved flow.
We also provide a hugely beneficial Value Stream Mapping workshop for senior management teams in businesses and organisations of all shapes and sizes. Taking place onsite at your premises, this invaluable workshop covers the following:
As well as consultancy and workshops, Clarity also provides a wide range of visual management products to support your Lean methodology. Prime examples are visual management boards along with magnetic overlays and magnetic document frames, which when used together will allow you to visually map your processes and make core information instantly available to your teams.
If you’re ready to apply Value Stream Mapping to your business in order to improve flow and reduce waste, get in touch with our team on +44 (0)1482 296451 or fill in our contact form.
Get in touch and speak with a Visual Management Specialist to answer any questions you may have on our products, consultancy or business.
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