Polyhedrika

Analyzing our Value Stream we identify a number of constraints that limit its effective capacity. The most visible constraints are the capacity of the different steps. But there are other, not so obvious, constraints such as the capacity variation of some steps. Process variation has been described as a virus infecting the value stream: it causes chaos and it is often undetected.     Dice Throwing Exercise A bottleneck limits the effective capacity of the whole line. Bottlenecks caused by variation are more subtle and difficult to detect and act upon. Process simulation can help us experience the effects of different types of constraints, try solutions and detect possible side effects. Process simulation helps us understand the value stream dynamic behavior: how variation affects key process metrics such as WIP, Lead time, Throughput, Cycle time, On Time Delivery, etc. Understanding these dynamic effects will enable us to get to the root cause of problems implementing definite solution

  Value Stream Maps graphically represent process flow as it is actually performed. Excel Value Stream Map - YouTube VSM is typically built following a visit to Gemba (where things are really happening) in order to depict what is really going on (rather than the theoretical process described in standards and procedures). This approach and VSM concepts are excellently described in " Learning to See " by Mike Rother To follow the value stream you can follow a product along the manufacturing line or a customer order along the administrative value stream like in    staple yourself to an order Horizontal Vs Vertical Flow Value Stream Maps are typically designed to flow horizontally left to right. When a value stream is complex it becomes difficult to view the whole picture: it may require several pages and this makes it difficult to follow.. Making the VSM vertically allows us to visualize complex value stream in a single page.   Post-its on Brown Paper Another common practice is