Lack of visibility and clarity are common mistakes while planning all kinds of events. Most of the time, the reason is not enough time spent on planning. Given that it is a strategic tool, planning the value stream map event is crucial for success. For that reason, you should ensure to complete this step without shortcuts. This is the second post from a series dedicated to VSM. You can read the first part here.
Aim to provide clarity while planning the value stream mapping event
Ensure clarity about what is the subject by stating the scope of the event. Describe what triggers the process, where it starts, and where it finishes. Also, think about regulations, policies, or critical procedures that cannot change. Those are the limitations or boundaries that cannot be crossed or change during the exercise. In addition, indicate the specific conditions for the process map. Does the map is for one product or service or a family of products or services? Are you mapping the process for new customers or existing customers?
Based on the objective of the event and the process itself, determine how you will measure success. What metrics will you use to measure progress? Learn the process’s actual and forecasted volumes. Furthermore, the types of tasks manual or automatic, machines, or technology used. That information supports the mapping discussion where capacity, inventory volumes, and staff are conversation points. Besides, you should gather relevant data to accelerate those conversations.
The VSM team for the event
During planning, you also choose your mapping team. The team should be a multi-disciplinary group representing all the functions along the value stream. Because the VSM is a high-level map for strategic purposes, team members are managers and above. In other words, people who have the authority to approve changes, assign resources and change current strategies. To facilitate effectiveness, limit the number of team members to 5-10 people.
The focus of the preparation stage is to get clarity and information. However, that is not the only objective. Like with any kaizen event, you need to communicate its purpose. Gaining support from leadership before the event starts is convenient for success. For that reason, ensure that all leaders know what you want to accomplish and why.
The facilitator must ensure that all team members have a basic understanding of value stream mapping. Also, they need to know the basics of lean manufacturing principles. For instance, knowing what waste is, is critical to achieving the mapping objective. If there is a knowledge gap, then it should be closed before the event.
There is more regarding the planning the value stream map event
Another activity for this stage is to determine who is the owner or champion of the value stream. That is the person accountable for the performance of the value stream that is the subject of the mapping activity.
Other planning actions are choosing the date(s) of the event and location. For instance, to ensure that all necessary equipment and materials are available. In addition, to coordinate break times and snacks or lunch.
Once the plan is complete, it is time to share it with the event sponsor and the champion. If all agree, the next step is the event itself. In part 3 of this series, we will address the first step of the value stream mapping event, draw, and understand the current state.
