Värdesströmsanalyser

Värdesströmsanalyser, often referred to as Value Stream Mapping (VSM), is a lean-management technique used to visualize, analyze, and improve the flow of information or materials required to bring a product or service to a customer. It is a fundamental tool in lean manufacturing and increasingly in lean service and software development. The primary goal of a VSM is to identify and eliminate waste within a process.

The process begins by mapping the current state of a value stream. This involves documenting all the steps, both value-adding and non-value-adding, that are involved in delivering a product or service from its inception to the customer. This mapping typically includes information about the time it takes for each step, the time spent waiting between steps (lead time), the number of people involved, and the amount of inventory or work-in-progress. Data is collected directly from the process itself.

Once the current state is documented and understood, the focus shifts to designing and mapping the future state. This involves identifying opportunities for improvement and eliminating waste. Common types of waste targeted by VSM include overproduction, waiting, unnecessary transport, over-processing, excess inventory, unnecessary motion, and defects. The future state map outlines how the process should operate more efficiently, with reduced lead times and waste.

Implementing the changes identified in the future state map leads to continuous improvement. VSM is not a one-time event but rather a cyclical process that can be revisited as processes evolve and new opportunities for optimization arise. By providing a clear visual representation of a process, VSM facilitates communication and collaboration among teams, making it easier to agree on improvement initiatives and track progress.