In our busy and dynamic business environment, we all are driven by one common target: “Providing a great service to our customer!” A great service sometimes doesn’t necessarily mean it is managed in an optimal way. As the customer is interested in the final product or service, we often remain unobservant to what it takes to get the “things done”. Can we do it faster? Can we be more efficient? Can we be more competitive? And this is where a Value Stream Map comes in help.
What is Value Stream Map?
Value stream mapping is a Lean management method that allows you to visualize information, process, and time flow in a product/ service delivery. It is also used to align leadership for organizational transformation. Items are mapped as adding or not adding value from the customer’s standpoint. Lead time, cycle time, clear and accurate %, communication way, activity ratio and people and departments involved are key metrics for creating the map.
How Do We Find Our Value Stream Map?
Believe it or not, except for almost any process in any business sector, Value Stream Mapping can be applied even in our private day-to-day activities, however, the challenge lies in seeing the opportunities and the willingness to act accordingly.
Not Just a Pretty Picture
Creating a current state value stream map would be the first step for a VSM Lean Consultant. Having the AS IS completed, the map shows instantly a few weak points in the example, and very easily sometimes the solution for improvement is in front. The next step is to analyse the state and develop a future state (TO BE). Here the set target is agreed upon within the team, and the desired state is visualised and commonly agreed upon. Pictures that tell a thousand words.
Connecting People Together for a Conversation About the Business
Values Stream Mapping includes demanding a cross-functional team to participate in the VSM process. As in many business sectors and services, a VSM process requires a sponsor, owner, and appropriate team, having the common goal to accomplish an optimal future state for providing the services. It also helps improve team culture, since productive teams are more engaged and are useful to work with!
Producing a VSM transformation plan as a Team with a Common Goal
The work done collaboratively with a common goal forges bonds across departments. A transformation plan is an outcome based on the common finding and includes a timeline with listed responsible people to complete individual/ group tasks. The common goal is to achieve improvements within the selected structure as a team! As a team and only like that the success will taste best.
Providing a VSM for future conversations
Once the VSM is completed, it is shared with the wider company what was achieved, discovered, and decided to act upon. It is the leadership team’s responsibility to reward the members for the accomplished mission, but also to take the efforts spend into consideration as an example and seek if findings can be introduced in other areas of the business best practices within the company.
Our team in Advisory has the tools and knowledge to help you develop your Value Stream Map. To find out how our portfolio of services can help your business, please reach out to our Advisory team at Sales@Aspira.ie