Question

Describe how to apply process and value stream mapping for process design, and give one example.

Answer 1

Process Mapping is the technique which uses flowcharts to demonstrate the flow of processes, perspective and determine the improvement opportunities . It only focus on the work. It helps in explaining the team about the actual flow of events in a process with respect to product or service. It is useful , to design new process, showcases process complexities, unnecessary loops, cases where simplification is needed and further standardize, helps team to find the activities which will improve the process performance.

How this works: Select a process then identify the boundaries of the process (this is done by having inputs and outputs in place and by having every details needed to clearly understand the process and determine the problem areas); It is always good to begin with macro level and extend as required till micro level. For example, for finance process , input is request for finance and output be approval. ; now include the detail on actions needed and individuals ; Make use of symbols to detail the process map (for example, oval is used for input or output, rectangle for action step; diamond to make decision and arrow to show the direction for the process flow); make note of the variations (for example, waste, errors, etc. ; followed by the brainstorming session to improve the process.

Value stream mapping is also similar technique which illustrates, analyses and improve the steps needed for product or service delivery. It reviews the process flow from beginning till customer delivery. It is useful in finding and eliminating waste. VSM focuses from current state to the future state , which helps in more collaboration and clarity in communication. For example, VSM is used supply chain and logistics to find the waste and related delays at different point in supply chain for the completed product. Some of the symbols which are used while designing the VSM (falls under process, material, information and general categories), such as shared process, dedicates process flow, customer or supplier, work cell, inventory, shipments, supermarket, production control and Kanban, load leveling, operator, timeline, etc.

How to conduct VSM : Determine the product which need to be improved; get the management buy in for the change; identify the issues for the value stream; defined the scope for the same; review the information and process flow; define the process steps; perform the data collection as proceed; assess the process steps (whether it is valuable, capable, available or adequate or flexible); finally map the movement with information flow for the products; inventory counting; design the timeline to execute, and reflection of the VSM; future state of the same along with the implementation plan.