Definition of Value Stream Mapping - Paper Example

As stated by Martin and Osterling (2014) Value stream mapping, or VSM, refers to a technique used within lean enterprise or lean manufacturing to improve, analyze, and document materials and information flow that is necessary to ensure the production of service or product for clients.

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Comparison

Value stream mapping not only takes consideration various project activities, but also the information and management systems that sustain fundamental business processes. According to reliable publications, value stream maps are very significant in eliminating cycle time since it enables business managers to gain insight into the flow of both decision-making processes and activities (Meredith & Shafer, 2016). Moreover, as stated by Myerson (2012), the main aim of value stream mapping is to map both information flow and processes that significantly contribute to the success of business operations. Improvement processes can be enhanced through the creation of action plans that are informed by value stream mapping.

Advantages and Disadvantages

While Value Stream mapping has various advantages including being an easily understandable and inexpensive tool that can be applied in various business operations to improve, analyze, and document materials and information flow, it comes with various pitfalls. Some of the disadvantages include the inability of value stream mapping to take into consideration the utilization and allocation of fundamental resources including the floor space for material-handling aisles, production support, and WIP storage among other functions. In addition, value stream mapping is incapable of demonstrating the effect on operating expenses and order throughput of ineffective flow of material within a business, including inter-operation travel distances, non-sequential flows, crisscross flows, and backtracking. Finally, these techniques lack the ability to develop rapidly (Myerson, 2012).

Article Summary

Myerson (2012) states that due to the modern implementation of strategic business practices that are aimed at ensuring agility, flexibility, and efficiency, there is need to apply lean methodologies in order to enhance efficiency in operations and material handling. The author also emphasizes the need for business managers to identify particular wastes that can hinder quality products or services. Myerson goes on to highlight the types of wastes including inventory, motion, and overproduction wastes among others.

In Martin and Osterling (2014), the process of value stream mapping presents various advantages to an organization including process visualization, establishment of a common ground for decision-making processes, identification of wastes, determination of links between various processes, and enhancement of existing tools for process improvements.

Biblical Integration

Value stream mapping can also be aligned with Christian values and operations. There is a need to create a common direction or vision within religious operations. Moreover, it is very important for religious operations and faiths to understand the direction their procedures are taking. An aspect of value stream mapping can be seen in a biblical context as stated in (Hebrews 12:1, The New King James Version) which instructs good servants to throw off all things that hinder development including sin. In other words, the verse encourages the elimination of wastes.

Application

Value stream mapping can be used to show a top-level view of a business processes instead of looking into details. Thus, VSM can act as a business eye opener to enhance significant and fast improvements, especially when the right action plans are taken (Myerson, P. (2012). A business can use a value stream map to come up with continuous value stream maps that can ensure the prediction of future business requirements and states.

References

Martin, K., & Osterling, M. (2014). Value stream mapping. Estados Unidos de America: ShingoInstitute.

Myerson, P. (2012). Lean supply chain and logistics management. Colombus: McGraw-Hill.