Väärtusvoogukaardistust

Väärtusvoogukaardistus, often translated as Value Stream Mapping (VSM), is a lean-manufacturing tool used to analyze and design the flow of material and information required to bring a product or service to a customer. It is a visual representation of all the steps, both value-adding and non-value-adding, required to take a product from its beginning to the customer. The primary goal of VSM is to identify waste within a system and then develop a plan to eliminate it.

The process typically begins with identifying the product or service family to be mapped. Then, a current state map is created, detailing every step in the process from the customer's perspective, including lead times, process times, inventory levels, and information flows. This current state map highlights areas of inefficiency, bottlenecks, and delays.

Following the analysis of the current state, a future state map is designed. This map represents an improved process with waste systematically removed. The future state map focuses on creating a smoother, faster, and more efficient flow, often incorporating principles like takt time, continuous flow, and pull systems. Implementing the changes outlined in the future state map leads to reduced lead times, improved quality, and increased customer satisfaction. VSM is a dynamic tool, and the process is often revisited to ensure continuous improvement.