What is Value Stream Mapping?
The Value Stream Mapping method is a visualization tool oriented to the Toyota version of Lean Manufacturing (Toyota Production System). It helps to understand and streamline work processes by using the tools and techniques of lean production. The goal of value stream mapping is to identify, show and to decrease waste in the process. Waste is defined as any activity that doesn't add customer specified value to the final product. The word is often used to demonstrate and decrease the amount of wasting in a manufacturing system. Value stream mapping can thus serve as a starting point to help management, engineers, production associates, schedulers, suppliers, and customers to recognize waste and identify the causes thereof. As a result, VSM is primarily a communication tool, but it can also be used as a tool for strategic process planning, as well as a change management tool.
