What are the key steps and tools for creating a current state value stream map?

Using a Pareto Chart to select a product family, is a practical approach to identify and prioritize areas that will have the most significant impact on the process to improve. Identify the product families that contribute most significantly to the total metric. The Pareto Principle states that roughly 80% of effects come from 20% of causes. Focus on the product families that contribute to this crucial 20%. Prioritize the product families based on their contribution to the overall metric. The product families with the highest bars on the Pareto Chart should be the primary focus for improvement efforts.

One time at work, we strategically selected a product family with the aim of not just streamlining processes but also leveraging it as a pilot for broader organizational transformation, aligning with our digital roadmap.

Analisar o estado atual é importantíssimo. Isso significa identificar um conjunto de produtos ou servi?os que compartilham processos semelhantes ao longo da cadeia de valor. Escolher uma família de produtos específica permite focar em um fluxo claro e coeso, facilitando a análise de etapas, recursos e tempo necessários para a entrega do produto.

In my perspective, mapping process steps isn't just about visualizing workflows; it's about dissecting each step to understand its impact on the overall value stream, enabling targeted interventions for efficiency gains and innovation.

In this step I see some similarities with Journaling in Design Thinking. By using these tools together, teams can gain a deeper understanding of the current state, identify opportunities for improvement, and develop solutions that lead to better outcomes

In my opinion, data analysis and collection is the bedrock of creating an effective VSM. The diverse methods & tools mentioned, including observation, measurement, interviews, surveys, and historical records, highlight the adaptability required for data collection. Focusing on key metrics, like cycle time, lead time, & quality, ensures that the gathered data aligns with the critical aspects of the value stream. The emphasis on both value-added and non-value-added time provides a nuanced understanding. Incorporating data boxes into the VSM adds a visual and accessible layer, aiding in effective communication & interpretation. Ultimately, this step transforms the VSM process from a theoretical exercise to a pragmatic & actionable tool.

If your stakeholders are not board yet, they will be once you finish the initial step of a transformation project: mapping your current state value stream, that is, identifying how each person or activity contributes value. It may seem straightforward, but you'll be surprised at the insights you and your stakeholders will gain when you share your process map and pinpoint areas for improvement.

We use this tool to optimize the product purchasing process, with the use of the employee ID in an internal store of the company that sold food products, by visualizing the process through the state map and using the Shikumi chart technique, we identified tasks that do not generate value to the process and this helped us digitize the process, which at that time was completely manual, identifying the need for interfaces between systems, allowing us to speed up the digitization and total automation of the purchasing process and the discount via payroll