How to build a value stream mapping (VSM)

Lean management appeared in the 1950s and is now deployed not only in production activities but also in a multitude of functions. Its main objective is to eliminate all process waste in order to improve process performance and meet the right customer needs by allocating company resources wisely.

A multitude of continuous improvement tools are available to achieve this goal, including VSM (Value Stream Mapping). This tool, which may seem complex the first time around, is an excellent way to analyse a process, identify how it works (detailing both physical and information flows) and highlight losses. Once you have acquired the various notions specific to this method (which we will detail in this book), it becomes an excellent means of communication, visual, at any level in the company. It allows to define the improvements and the strategy for the months or even years to come. It allows decision-makers to take a real overview of the situation.

This book will allow you to :
- Understand the terms used in a VSM.
- Understand when to use it and the benefits of this method.
- Know how to read a VSM by understanding its logic, symbols and formalisms.
- Know how to represent a current VSM and design a future VSM.
- Understand how to calculate key indicators.
- Put into practice through several examples.

Enjoy reading!