Value Stream Management

Book excerpt: The Value Stream Management System simplifies the planning process for lean implementation, ensuring quick deployment and greater success. It links the metrics and reporting required by management with the lean tools needed on the manufacturing floor. The central feature of this illustrative and engaging book is the value stream management storyboard, a tool representing an eight-step process for lean implementation. The storyboard brings together people, tools, metrics, and reporting into one visual document. The authors stress the importance of reaching beyond single-point kaizens to ensure a sustainable lean implementation process. Many people use the value stream map as an individual tool, but not within the context of a proven overall system. Value Stream Management: Eight Steps to Planning, Mapping, and Sustaining Lean Improvements shows you how to use mapping as part of a complete system for lean implementation. The final outcome of Value Stream Management is the creation of a complete, visual plan for lean transformation - and the mastery of the skills required to implement that plan. Instead of just using Toyota Production System Tools, the authors encourage you to create your own lean production system. Value Stream Management will help you to complete your process and sustain it! BONUS CD! Along with this book you receive a CD containing a lean assessment tool, a storyboard template, useful charts, a team charter, forms, reports, and worksheets. DVD Package (see Catalog No. PP7338) A training aid to implement those principles taught in the book, a training video is available that teaches managers how to train lean teams. It starts with an overview of value stream management and the basics of lean. Subsequent lessons teach how to map current and future states; how to create action plans for implementation and follow-through; and how to develop a storyboard that communicates the entire process. Finally, a computer-generated "virtual factory" shows how the system comes together and how lean actually works. Viewers will see value stream management in action at four major companies. The package includes a facilitator's guide that provides information on how to use the package and an overview of each training module,and a participant guide,