Value Stream Mapping (VSM) is a tool used by organizations to identify and eliminate waste. By training employees in the basics of VSM, organizations can create a workforce dedicated to achieving the next goal, which helps drive better results.
What is Value Stream Mapping?
VMS is a diagram-based lean management technique for identifying and eliminating waste. It shows the journey of information and materials from the beginning of the process to the delivery of a service or product to consumers.
Every step of the process is included in VSM, whether it adds value or not. Value-added phases are those that improve the product/service from the customer’s point of view. Non-value-added steps are steps that can be reduced or eliminated because they do not affect customer opinion.
Training content
Any training will start with an introduction to VSM, where employees will learn what it is, what the benefits are, what the different types of VSM are, and what the basic steps in the VSM process are. Content will cover everything from value stream identification to future state implementation.
In addition to basic VSM topics, employee training may include continuous improvement (Kaizen), lean manufacturing concepts, process flow improvement, waste identification/elimination, capacity planning, and cycle time/takt time calculations.
To facilitate employees in their VSM learning journey, it is important to provide adequate tools. For example, a chart and graph editor will provide a template value stream mapping file that will help your employees understand what it should look like. Other than that, you can make learning more fun by getting VSM simulation games like this one from iGrafx or Lean Enterprise Institute.
Modes of education delivery
Each employee will interact with training differently, so you may need to experiment with different delivery styles. Some of the more common methods include:
- Online education. This gives employees the opportunity to access VSM training at their own pace and in their own time.
- Instructor-Led Training (ILT). This is the most common type of training because it offers a lot more support, which is useful for learning new concepts or supporting employees who need additional help.
- Blended learning. Some employers choose to offer ILT and combine it with online learning to consolidate knowledge. This can also be a big advantage for hybrid companies, which may have employees in different locations.
To determine which training delivery method to use, you’ll need to set a budget and know your audience. Beyond that, you may need to consider your organization’s available resources and size.
How to assess learning
After the training is complete, you need to verify that your employees have understood the content. There are many ways to do this, including on-the-job assessments and post-training assessments. Alternatively, you can create projects to test skills and host engaging quizzes to test knowledge.
Value stream mapping is a comprehensive tool for process improvement. By training employees on VSM, companies save money and become more efficient.
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