A Brief Overview Of Value Stream Mapping

The proper allocation of resources is integral to the success of any company. This is doubly important in the manufacturing industry since so much of the company’s assets are wrapped up in real world raw materials. Inefficient dissemination of supplies and manpower can cost a firm millions of dollars in lost revenue. An excellent way to spot the weaknesses in your company’s resource flow is through Value Stream Mapping (VSM). The program allows you to trace the product cycle’s life from inception to retirement or re-invention. By tracing each step the item takes as it passes through countless R&D prototypes to actual product launch, a manager will be able to see if there are any redundancies in the process. Value Stream Mapping is invaluable in identifying resource black holes in your operation that are uselessly sucking up the company’s time, money and manpower. Once these vestigial relics are excised from your annual budget, you are free to refocus the company’s efforts towards endeavors that will prove more profitable. An excellent way to introduce the concepts of VSM to your employees is through a Value Stream Mapping simulation game. These are HR instructional modules that can be purchased from third party consultants. Used in conjunction with a formal presentation and mapping templates, it’s an easy and pain-free way to guarantee adequate dissemination of the information. A Value Stream Mapping simulation game provides your employees with the chance to follow an item from its raw material stage all the way to the design phase, and finally to its mass production. It lets them fully understand the concept of value through a fun and interesting tactile medium. The simulation also trains the workers to create future work flow improvements that are derived from the models currently in use on the factory floor. In addition to its technical merits, the Value Stream Mapping simulation game is also a very effective team building exercise. The cooperative nature of the activity will build strong relationships among the employees and foster leadership qualities in individual candidates. It’s a good morale booster and a fine way to spot potential managers and administrators.