ABSTRACT
In a manufacturing environment we choose a key product or key part number to map; in complicated processes, we might start with following only a subassembly or component that has significant costs. With value stream mapping, we are mapping the flow from raw material to the customer, including all the value- and non-value-added processes. Value stream mapping was originally set up for high- and medium-volume plants, although it can certainly be applied in low-volume areas. Future state value stream mapping for high-mix, low-volume environments demands that attention be focused on a set of characteristics that actually represent the basic differences between high-volume and low-volume plants. Value stream mapping shows the flow of material and information and allows to identify opportunities for improvement by using certain symbols that represent nonlean practices.
