WerteflussAnalyse

WerteflussAnalyse, often translated as Value Stream Analysis or Value Stream Mapping, is a lean management method used to visualize and analyze the flow of materials and information required to bring a product or service to a customer. The core idea is to identify and eliminate waste within a process. It involves mapping out all the steps involved in a process, from the initial request or order to the final delivery, highlighting both value-adding and non-value-adding activities.

The process typically begins by creating a current state map, detailing every action, delay, and information exchange. Data is collected on lead times, cycle times, inventory levels, and other relevant metrics for each step. Once the current state is understood, the team identifies areas of inefficiency, bottlenecks, and waste. Waste, in the context of WertflussAnalyse, is often categorized using the "TIMWOOD" mnemonic: Transportation, Inventory, Motion, Waiting, Overproduction, Overprocessing, and Defects.

Following the identification of waste, a future state map is designed, outlining an improved process with minimized waste and streamlined flow. This future state map serves as a target for improvement initiatives. Implementing the changes identified in the future state map aims to reduce lead times, improve quality, lower costs, and increase customer satisfaction. WertflussAnalyse is a fundamental tool in continuous improvement efforts, widely applied in manufacturing, software development, and service industries.