Untangling with Value Stream Mapping: How to Use VSM to Address Behavioral and Cultural Patterns and Quantify Waste in Multifunctional and Nonrepetitive Work Environments

Value stream mapping (VSM) is a powerful tool for improving processes in complex, multifunctional environments. This book provides a novel approach to capturing the information in a VSM by recognizing it as the place where most of the issues are generated. It helps to quantify waste, make disconnects visible, and make behavioral and cultural patterns visible. Following the steps outlined in the book can lead to lead time reductions ranging from 60% to 88%, increased availability of resources, more output with the same resources, projects delivered on time, and colleagues embracing the Lean mindset.

Format: Hardback
Length: 198 pages
Publication date: 06 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The conventional understanding in books about Lean initiatives and value stream mapping (VSM) is that VSM is most effective for transactional processes, which are predominantly linear operations with clearly defined handoffs and a known outcome. However, this book challenges these beliefs by showcasing how a VSM exercise can be successfully executed in complex, multifunctional environments involving nonrepetitive work, such as aircraft new product development, custom engineering, software development, and project management.

The methodology presented in this book has undergone over ten years of refinement, drawing from practical experience working with multidisciplinary teams and assisting them in achieving their objectives. This innovative approach to capturing VSM information recognizes it as the source of most issues, particularly in the aforementioned environments, where classical mapping methodologies, including classical VSM, fail to effectively capture it.

The VSM methodology developed by the author goes to the core of a VSM, focusing on activities flow, information flow, and timeline. It utilizes conventional VSM icons alongside custom information flow icons to facilitate the following:

Quantification of waste: Addressing a gap in VSM literature by providing a means to quantify waste in these complex environments.

Visibility of disconnects: Making visible the gaps and breakdowns that often occur in nonrepetitive work, enabling better identification and resolution of issues.

Illumination of behavioral and cultural patterns: Revealing the underlying behaviors and cultural factors that impact the flow of information and waste in these environments, facilitating cultural change and improvement.

By meticulously following the outlined steps, organizations can achieve lead time reductions ranging from 60% to 88%, along with increased resource availability, enhanced output with the same resources, timely project delivery, and, most importantly, a pervasive adoption of the Lean mindset among colleagues. This mindset plays a crucial role in sustaining the gains achieved through VSM implementation.

In essence, this book offers a transformative approach to leveraging VSM in complex, multifunctional environments, enabling organizations to streamline their processes, reduce waste, and improve efficiency, ultimately driving sustainable growth and success.

Dimension: 280 x 210 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367511876