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09/27/2011 03:17 PM
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Hi, what software package would you recommend for value stream mapping? Ideally one in which it's easy to create the map and that allows calculations. Tks
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09/28/2011 09:46 AM
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Pat,
I do not recommend software for VSM. Butcher paper and post-its are the best way to go. By trying to use software, you are losing the interaction of the team, which is critical to creating an accurate current state map, as well as an ideal future state map. Also, the calculations should not be so difficult as to need software.
Ken
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09/28/2011 09:46 AM
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I would start with an 11x17 sheet of paper and a #2 pencil with a large eraser.
You need something you can walk around the floor with, and scratch out the VSM as you go.
The other "software" I suggest is a large sheet of brown paper go to Home Depot and get a roll or brown dropcloth paper for about $10), sticky notes and string or chart tape.
Why?
The additional interaction you have to do when you create these things by hand forces you to see more details and interactions than you would if a software package is doing the work for you.
For the future state - a whiteboard is a good place to start - sketch out how the process needs to work in order to deliver the performance you need. A lot of erasing and discussion is usually involved here - you want collaboration.
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09/28/2011 09:46 AM
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The "software" I recommend is a big sheet of paper.
pc2
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09/28/2011 01:36 PM
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Thanks all - your feedback is certainly consistent! The VSM that I'm developing is multi-site - so I find it necessary to have an electronic version on my laptop as I visit these sites. I heard that eVSM offers good features including calculations - but perhaps that's overkill??
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09/28/2011 01:36 PM
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The sheet of paper approach is OK but I would recommend that once you have everything documented, that you load it into a computer. It will be easier later to make changes if you need to. I participated in laying out an entire process from receipt of an order to shipment of the product to customers. It took 22 sheets of the large poster size paper to capture everything. Manufacturing in this case was MRP driven.
Once you are done and you roll up the 22 sheets because someone else needs to use the room you are in, it makes it difficult to unfold the roll to find a section where you need to make a change. Also, who wants the responsibility of holding on to the role. In my case,one person sitting at a computer copied the drawing using PowerPoint as the drawing was being developed. It made it easier later to make changes. It also made it easier to later give everyone computerized copies of either a section of the entire order-to-shipment process or the entire process since everyone either had a computer or had acess to one.
Sam Tomas
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09/28/2011 03:22 PM
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Patrick,
I still recommend paper and post-its when you work with the teams at each site. . Then if you must have an electronic version you can transpose it. Now each site has a map on the wall that everyone can see regarding their pice of the pie.
Ken
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09/29/2011 01:39 PM
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I agree with all the statements reagarding a large piece of paper and post-it notes. We use multi-colored post-it notes to document certain aspect of the current state map. It is very visual and everyone is the room can "see". If you need to document electronically, I suggest taking pictures of the map after it has been created and agreed to.
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09/29/2011 01:39 PM
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Patrick, all guys have reason. VSM is accomplished with paper, eraser and pencil, no doubt. But if You need any software. Try the software called Synthis Process Modeler ( www.synthis.com ). Exit another software but no calculations, but excelence E-VSM. This software run with MS Visio and have all images that we learn about VSM Lean Trainning.
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09/29/2011 01:39 PM
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HP, along with others, sell roll stock for plotters. I find this works great as a background, rolls up easy. Not real expensive but heavy and bright enough for repeated revisions.
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09/30/2011 10:09 AM
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Thanks all for your feedback & suggestions
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09/30/2011 10:09 AM
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Pat.
I can fully understand your question. Indeed the VSM is made as simple as possible by hand (using pencil and paper or, we are living in 2011, written on the tablet PC). Nevertheless when you are talking about VSM's to be used as simulating tool or used in large organizations it may be a good idea to use a software. We at Viisiteam use iGrafx and are pleased with that. Again, if you do not need it, stick to the pencil and the paper (tablet PC). Kind regards. Herman
herman@viisiteam.com
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09/30/2011 10:09 AM
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Even if I agree, that Paper / Whiteboard works best, I recommend you take a look at prezi.com. A simple and completely flexible presentation tool, which you can use to quickly create a screen show of your paper-based work
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09/30/2011 10:09 AM
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So there are many times that you need to have it electronically for multi locations and traveling, of course butcher paper and post-its for the initial event.
Leanview and Igrafx both work very well.
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09/30/2011 11:53 AM
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VSM creation by paper and pencil is a must. Once created and in need of large scale 'broadcast' (we have 24 locations nationwide) then, software is a must. We use Quality Companion as well as VISIO. Both are effective and equally useful. Quality Companion has the advantage of being compatible with project management, six sigma tools, lean applications. All in one software package, MiniTab. We share all documents and results with SharePoint. Works well.
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10/03/2011 10:37 AM
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I agree that during creation for most people it is best to use paper and pencil (my favorite method is collecting times on my PDA while on the floor and then building the map), however I have also use Excel to create current and future state maps and used these during presentations to management etc... Excel has some very nice drawing capabilities and once you have the first one you can use it as a template for future products or value streams.
It is also a nice thing for the executives to have to "take away" and have a better understanding of what in the world you are working on.
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10/03/2011 10:37 AM
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Hello all,
I am new to most of this and I would like to ask if anyone has some pictures or some way I could get a look at some of your Value Stream Maps? I would like to see how people lay them out understanding that they change of course. I just want to get some ideas how they look when other people map them out. If they are in a file format, I just have Microsoft Office Suite so I would need a format like Power Point in order to view it.
Thanks in advance,
Jerry
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10/03/2011 04:50 PM
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We use leanview to document value stream maps that were created on the wall. It is a cheap add-in to visio and allows you to ponder "what-if" scenarios. It performs all calculations and it quick and easy to learn and use.
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10/05/2011 12:38 PM
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Who makes Lean view? Better yet, do you have a link to their site?
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10/05/2011 12:38 PM
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Jerry,
Google to the rescue again......Google "Value Stream Mapping Examples" and you should find what you are looking for.
Ken
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