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| Mapping the Future StateFebruary 1, 2007 Value stream mapping is a planning tool; thus, if you create a current state map only, you have missed the purpose of VSM. The future state map is a picture of the lean transformation process for a specific value stream. Before you create a future state map, you should have already created a current state value stream map. A future state map identifies improvement to be made to the value stream that will shorten the overall lead time. (In most lean literature, the time from which raw materials enter a facility until the time they ship to the customer as finished goods is termed the lead time; most manufacturing folks call this the cycle time.) To create an effective future state map, the following must be considered:
To implement these concepts effectively, it is necessary to implement process improvements such as improving process yield, reducing defects, improving uptime, reducing changeover time, and eliminating wasted time/motion within processes, etc. I have found through experienced that a structured brainstorming session will often identify key process improvements that should be done to achieve a lean value stream. You will likely need to use traditional lean tools such as TPM, Single Minute Exchange of Die (SMED), Visual Controls, and 5S. You will also likely use statistical methods to improve and control processes that need improvement. After you’ve applied the above concepts to the current state, you can create a future state value stream map using the same methods discussed in our current state value stream map article. Finally, you should create a value stream implementation plan to achieve the future state. You are now armed with a plan for a lean value stream that you can use for tracking/measuring your improvements throughout the year. Ensure that you have a "value stream manager" or project manager driving the plan to completion. Click here to subscribe to our free e-newsletter Learning to Lean and receive three articles like this one each month. About the Author Darren Dolcemascolo is an internationally recognized lecturer, author, and consultant. As Sr. Partner and co-founder of EMS Consulting Group, he specializes in productivity and quality improvement through lean manufacturing. Mr. Dolcemascolo has written the book Improving the Extended Value Stream: Lean for the Entire Supply Chain, published by Productivity Press in 2006. He has also been published in several manufacturing publications and has spoken at such venues as the Lean Management Solutions Conference, Outsourcing World Summit, Biophex, APICS, and ASQ. He has a BS in Industrial Engineering from Columbia University and an MBA with Graduate Honors from San Diego State University. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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