The January Meeting was presented by John Boyko, Managing Partner of Summit Business Solutions. The topic was, "Value Stream Mapping -- A Lean Assessment Tool" and was the chapter's first webinar, presented to IIEs in Region. The web presentation covered the following topics:
1. The differences between Value Stream Mapping and Process Maps
2. The 8-wastes of Lean
3. How a Value Stream Mapping of the current state is developed
4. How to transform the current state to an ideal or Future State
5. Typical symbols used in Value Stream Mapping
6. How to get started on your own Value Stream Mapping
When clients ask, "Why do this?" John's answer is that it prepares you for addressing the challenges of increasing competition. The Lean Enterprise can be summarized as "doing more with less." Lean eliminates waste and Six Sigma reduces variation.
There are several key concepts in Lean.
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Alignment & integration
- Common goals
- Actions plans & standards
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Elimination of wasteful activities
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Use techniques / tools to make hidden waste obvious (5S, point of use storage,
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Apply standard work to every task (ex. McDonalds. There is high turnover - but the product is consistent.)
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Constant pursuit of perfection
- Empowerment at all levels
The Lean Improvement Cycle steps are to diagnose, stabilize, strategize, take action, and sustain. One tool to analyze the system is Value Stream Mapping. A value stream map is a graphical representation of all the activities required to deliver a product or service. VA and NVA should be included.
There are several key points of Value stream mapping. Focus on one product group at time. Take a two stage approach by looking at current state and the future state. Provide an easy to understand summary on one page. The map helps to identify and prioritize the Lean initiative and it provides the basis for an efficient facility layout.
SUMMARY
1. Value Stream Mapping is a high level view of how product is produced and delivered (process map follows)
2. Start small - don't do entire supply chain
3. Work in stages (Current state, Future state, Action Plan)
4. Flow is key - minimize movement by connecting steps (less movement, more time to add value)
5. Just do it !
For a more detailed document on the presentation and value stream mapping, please contact Carolyn Chen. 
