Value stream is proposed in lean manufacturing. Value stream diagram is a chart that divides and statistically organizes the processes and information in the production and manufacturing process, and then produces a chart that includes both information flow and physical flow (as shown in the following figure). The main purpose is to reduce waste, shorten time, create greater value for the enterprise, and ultimately achieve lean production management. Value stream mapping can also help companies quickly understand the production cycle of products and adapt to the sales market.
The Value of a Value Stream Map
1) Helping enterprises understand the efficiency of manufacturing production
A value stream diagram can clearly display the time of each process in a project, and by creating a value stream diagram, the work efficiency of each production line in the enterprise can be analyzed. Allowing managers to have a clearer understanding of their company's work status is also a reference for employee performance evaluation.
2) Optimize production processes and eliminate waste
In the production and manufacturing process, some processes generate value while others do not. Through value stream diagram analysis, the results of each process in the production process can be clearly divided, thereby optimizing point-to-point and eliminating waste.
3) Provide reference for the production and manufacturing plan of new products
The value stream diagram records and identifies the corresponding time of each process in production, as well as the paths and methods of transmission. Through this information, managers can design new value processes based on the actual situation of the enterprise, providing direction for future operations. It also provides reference for the development and production plan of new products, shortening the launch cycle of new products.
How to draw a value stream map?
It is highly recommended to use the Yitu Diagram Online version for drawing value stream diagrams. It is a comprehensive drawing software that supports both client and online ends, making it very convenient. Next, we will demonstrate how to use the Yitu diagram to draw a value stream map online:
Step 1, create a value stream map canvas
Open the Yitu diagram and select "New Blank Canvas" on the "New" page;
Step 2, Draw a Value Stream Map
After the canvas is successfully created, there are basic drawing shapes in the symbol library on the left. You can drag and drop the desired shapes onto the canvas. After they are successfully dragged onto the canvas, text information can be added to it, as well as graphic colors and sizes can be modified to make the graphics look more coordinated and beautiful. Then express the projects involved in the value stream diagram you want to draw one by one on the canvas.
Step 3, refine and layout the value stream map
After all the projects in the value stream diagram are drawn, you can also use the different formatting tools provided by the Yitu diagram to adjust the size, shape, color, alignment, font, and other details of various elements in the value stream diagram, and correspond the time of each project in the value stream diagram to each project.
To make the value stream map more attractive, we can add some vivid pattern designs to our value stream map. You can select "Insert>Image" in the toolbar. At the same time, check the completeness and correctness of the production process diagram, and make a summary text to express the completion cycle of the project, so that a complete value stream diagram is completed.
Step 4, Save/Share Files
After the value stream diagram is drawn, click the "File" button in the upper left corner, and multiple save/share methods can be found in the pop-up "File" window. There is also an "Export" option on the interface to export images, PDFs, etc.
