VALUE STREAM MAPPING – VISUALIZATION

Date: May 15, 2021

Author:  Arath Sanchez

1. Challenge & Selection.

In order to understand de context and all variables indeed in this problem I selected the  tool of visualization. We have had the challenge of mapping correctly our value stream  for the number one product in our company, this task needs to involve all our internal  costumers of the different areas, who are production, sales, delivery. Every single area  had one manager in this project in order to share ideas, situations, internal problems  and every single variable that helps the mapping being successful.

2. Application

As a first step, all those involved were invited to a meeting, we explained the context of  the problem and proceeded to go through the entire value chain for the selected  product. In posters we began by drawing a flow of the process that had been previously  raised, which will serve as a basis for making any necessary modifications. On paper and  with the help of the always useful post its we start with the first intervener of the  process.    First, the material must be melted, in this case the raw material used is plastic. The vital  information we must obtain is what type of machinery is used, as used, processing  times, machine preparation times, and the volumetry of the raw material to be used.  While we were commissioned to carry out this activity continued to tell us how the  activity was carried out questions were arising, these questions are completely  necessary in order to be able to question the current activity and to look for options for  improvement both for the process in general and in that specific activity.    While the information was being lifted, any relevant information was written down in a  post it and pasted into the corresponding box for that activity as a brainstorm. The most  critical point to know is how the individual processes are connected to form the whole  process. This connection between activities was also established in our poster to map  the process, continuing to the next activity was the turn to carry out the extrusion of the  molten material and thus form the finished product.    At the end of the information survey activity, we built, together with a multidisciplinary  team, the entire value chain of our star product and in that way, we were able to reach  important conclusions about what was being done correctly in the process and  specifically identify where improvement actions could be carried out and how to map  projects to on this specific product.

3. Insight & Approach

Performing these kinds of exercises are excellent in order to understand the context of  the whole problem, not only for those who are directing it but also for everyone involved  in the exercise. In this way, the participation and knowledge of other actors and the  questioning of certain activities, information or procedures are promoted to, among all,  seek a solution that meets the needs of the organization.    Using visual tools is especially effective when you need to understand and describe a  situation in a very specific way. Most of the time we think that just counting the situation  and if other people have clear functioning, but this almost always disagrees with reality  because each person has his or her point of view and way of understanding a situation.  The use of visual tools help put "a face" to what is being explained and have a better  understanding of the situation.    As part of my job is to understand even the smallest detail of the activity, process that  is mapping and apply this type of methodology and tools help to make simple what at  first seems complicated.

