Arvovirtakartoitus

Arvovirtakartoitus, often translated as Value Stream Mapping, is a lean manufacturing and management tool used to analyze and improve the flow of materials and information required to bring a product or service to a customer. The core purpose of arvovirtakartoitus is to identify and eliminate waste within a process, thereby increasing efficiency and customer value.

The process typically begins by selecting a specific product family or service. A "current state map" is then created, visually documenting all the steps involved in producing that product or service, from raw material acquisition to delivery to the customer. This map includes details about cycle times, lead times, inventory levels, and information flow at each stage. Once the current state is understood, the team identifies non-value-adding activities, often referred to as waste (muda in Japanese), such as waiting, transportation, overproduction, and defects.

Following the analysis of the current state, a "future state map" is designed. This ideal map outlines how the process should operate after waste has been removed and improvements have been implemented. The future state map serves as a roadmap for change, guiding efforts to streamline operations, reduce lead times, and improve overall quality. Arvovirtakartoitus is a powerful technique for visualizing the entire production or service delivery system, fostering a shared understanding of problems and opportunities for improvement across different departments.