Arvolähtökartta

An arvolähtökartta, or value stream map, is a lean manufacturing tool used to visualize and analyze the flow of materials and information required to bring a product or service to a customer. It depicts all the steps in a process, both value-adding and non-value-adding, from raw material to the customer. The primary purpose of an arvolähtökartta is to identify waste and opportunities for improvement within a process.

The creation of an arvolähtökartta typically involves walking the actual process, observing each step, and documenting key metrics such as cycle time, lead time, inventory levels, and uptime. It differentiates between the current state and a future state, which is a designed improvement of the process. By mapping both states, teams can clearly see the impact of proposed changes and develop a plan to achieve the desired future state.

Arvolähtökartta is a powerful tool for understanding the big picture of a process. It helps to break down silos between departments by showing how each contributes to the overall flow. Common types of waste identified through arvolähtökartta include overproduction, waiting, unnecessary transport, excess inventory, over-processing, and defects. By focusing on these areas, organizations can streamline operations, reduce costs, improve quality, and enhance customer satisfaction. It is a foundational element for implementing lean principles and continuous improvement initiatives.