From the course: Improve Communication Using Lean Thinking

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Communication in a value stream

Communication in a value stream

- If you're looking to identify where value is being added in your process, and where not, a value stream map, or VSM, is a very useful tool. It's a great lean-based methodology that helps visualize the flow of materials between process steps, along with the flow of information needed to coordinate what needs to get done by whom and when. A few years ago, a customer asked me to explain why our assembly processes could not deliver to their schedule. The executive asked to see a value stream map of our assembly processes to help uncover problems. Well, he was expecting only a map of the material and the assembly streams. I began the drawing from the customer's demand signal, which is where a value stream map begins. That signal is a form of communication. The VSM made it clear the assembly process was not the problem. The disruption was caused by the multiple signals the customer was sending for the same demand, one…

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