How do you integrate value stream mapping with other lean manufacturing methods and principles?

1 Identify your value stream

The first step is to identify your value stream, which is the set of activities and processes that create value for your customer. You can use a value stream map to document the current state of your value stream, including the inputs, outputs, resources, cycle times, inventory, defects, and customer feedback. You can also use a value stream map to design the future state of your value stream, where you eliminate or minimize the non-value-added activities and optimize the value-added ones.

2 Apply lean principles

The second step is to apply lean principles to your value stream, which are concepts and practices that are designed to maximize value and minimize waste. To do this, you should define value from the customer's perspective, align your processes to deliver value, eliminate or reduce activities that don't add value, implement continuous improvement and problem-solving, empower your team members, and seek feedback from customers and stakeholders.

3 Use lean tools and techniques

The third step is to use lean tools and techniques to support your value stream mapping and improvement. 5S, Kaizen, Kanban, Poka-yoke, Root Cause Analysis, and Six Sigma are some of the common methods that can be used depending on your goals and challenges. 5S is a method to organize, clean, and standardize your workplace. Kaizen is a method to implement small and incremental changes to improve processes. Kanban is a method to visualize and control workflow and inventory. Poka-yoke is a method to prevent or detect errors and defects. Root cause analysis is a method to identify and solve the underlying causes of problems. Lastly, Six Sigma is a method to reduce variation and improve quality.

4 Monitor and measure your results

The fourth step is to monitor and measure your results, which are the outcomes and indicators of your value stream performance. To track and evaluate progress and achievements, you can use key performance indicators (KPIs) such as customer satisfaction, lead time, throughput, inventory, quality, and cost. Customer satisfaction measures the degree to which customers are happy with the product or service. Lead time is the time it takes from the customer's request to delivery. Throughput is the rate at which the value stream produces output. Inventory is the amount of materials and products stored or waiting in the value stream. Quality is the degree to which the product or service meets customer expectations and specifications. Cost is the amount of resources and expenses consumed or incurred by the value stream.

5 Review and revise your value stream

The fifth step is to review and revise your value stream, which is the process of learning from your results and making adjustments to your value stream map and improvement plan. Utilizing a Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle can guide the review and revision process. This cycle involves defining objectives, methods, and actions for your value stream improvement, implementing those actions and collecting data on the results, analyzing the data to compare it with objectives, and taking corrective or preventive actions based on the findings and feedback.

6 Integrate your value stream with other value streams

The sixth step is to integrate your value stream with other value streams, which are the interconnected and interdependent flows of value within your organization or across your supply chain. You can use a value stream network map to visualize and optimize the relationships and interactions between your value stream and other value streams. You can also use a value stream network map to identify and leverage the synergies and opportunities for collaboration and innovation among your value streams.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?