Value Stream Mapping Software and Flow Charts

By Randy Hough

How to get started with value stream mapping software

Learning to draw value stream maps requires a lot of time and experience. It is not something you can just intuitively pick up and do, at least not in the full sense of the meaning of value stream mapping. So, how can you get some idea of what you are embarking on?

One way that some people have found to be useful is to begin by using fairly simple flow charts. You can make up your own, or if you have Windows Vista or Open Office (free and very good), you can make your own. In fact, Windows Vista even has a built in program to make a value stream map!

Why begin with a flow chart?

To properly use value stream mapping a great deal of knowledge and training is required. In fact, it is highly advisable that you hire a consultant, once you have gained a basic understanding of how it works and what your needs are.

A flow chart is similar in concept and can give you a realistic idea of the process of mapping out your entire flow of operations. From the initial contact and order, through design and manufacture, and finally in packaging and assembly, you will see the basic outline of your production.

Then, when you are ready to map out your present state and your future state, you will have a foundation to help you. It is surprising what you discover when you actually see the step by step procedure in graphic illustration. Often, you immediately can see wasted time, materials and efforts, just by making a simple flow chart.

Many plastic injection molding companies have been very successful in using value stream mapping software. This type of business is a perfect candidate for the entire lean manufacturing process.

Why you should use value stream software

Some of the advantages of value stream mapping software are:

• Ability to make instant changes. If you have your map drawn out on paper and decide to change it (which you will), you must physically erase or somehow cover up the old entry. With software it is just a click or two and it's changed.

• You can share it with other departments and people. You can publish it to the web for long distance communication.

• It can be stored electronically and saved. This is much simpler and cleaner than filing away large amounts of paper.

• Interactive dialog boxes can do the math for you, which is a real time saver.

• You save time because you can focus on the activity improvement.

• It is easy to print our information for sharing. This saves a lot of time compared to doing it manually, and some programs lend themselves very well to printing and sharing.

• This is a very good way to explain what is lean manufacturing because people often learn better visually. Once they can see the actual value stream map, it makes much more sense overall.

Where can you find a good resource?

This is an excellent resource used by hundreds of business owners. You can download you own personal copy by clicking here here. It comes with a money back guarantee, and you are certain to find it extremely useful in your search for answers.

You can download it here