Value Stream Mapping (VSM) is a well-known part of Lean practices. It gives organizations a clear way to "see" processes, identify inefficiencies in systems, and make plans for improvement. These sessions usually involve whiteboards, sticky notes, and hours of manual effort to document and analyze the current state.
With eVSM, the process is turned into a streamlined and ongoing improvement tool. Here’s what you can expect when you run a VSM session with eVSM versus the traditional approach:
Digital value stream mapping: easier on all team members
Traditional VSM sessions can be exhausting. Teams often spend hours physically arranging sticky notes on whiteboards, manually calculating metrics, and revisiting steps due to human errors or miscommunications. At the end of these sessions participants often feel drained.
eVSM turns this process on its head (figuratively!) by simplifying every step. Instead of juggling markers and sticky notes, teams work together in a digital environment where changes are quick and easy. The software handles complex calculations such as takt times and cycle times, leading to higher accuracy and far less hours of manual work. Team members can focus their energy on discussing solutions and strategies, instead of struggling to maintain an accurate map. Using eVSM is so easy, it turns these sessions from a tiresome chore into a productive and engaging experience.
A ‘living' map that guides you over time
One of the most significant limitations of traditional VSM is its static nature. Once the session concludes, the map is often filed away or forgotten, only to become outdated as processes evolve. In contrast, eVSM creates a living map—a dynamic tool that grows and adapts alongside your organization.
It's not really enough to just create a snapshot of your current state. You want to develope a resource that serves as an ongoing guide, and that's what eVSM does. As your processes improve or change, updating the map is simple, meaning it remains a relevant and powerful tool. This living map becomes a cornerstone of your continuous improvement efforts, helping you track progress, implement changes, and identify new opportunities over time. It ensures that the hard work of value stream mapping doesn’t end in a static artifact but instead drives ongoing transformation.
The importance of accurate data in value stream mapping
Even with the most advanced tools, a value stream map is only as good as the data behind it. eVSM doesn’t eliminate the need for accurate data; it amplifies its importance by making it easier to manage and interpret.
Data can come from various sources: ERP systems, direct observations, time studies, or digital sensors on the shop floor. With eVSM, collecting and inputting this data becomes far less daunting. The platform’s tools help you validate and cross-check information, ensuring consistency and reliability. Clear visualizations turn raw data into insights that everyone can understand, which leads to more alignment across teams. By starting with accurate data, your map becomes a trusted foundation for making meaningful decisions.
Built by Lean professionals, for Lean professionals
One thing that really sets eVSM apart is its deep roots in Lean principles. Often, diagramming software adds VSM to their tools as an afterthought. eVSM, on the other hand, is created by Lean experts who understand the challenges and nuances of process improvement. From its inception, eVSM was built to serve the needs of Lean practitioners.
The software incorporates Lean tools directly into its interface, from bottleneck analysis to takt time calculators, making it more than just a mapping tool. It has decades of expertise woven into it, and early collaboration with industry leaders like John Shook, one of the foremost authorities on Lean thinking. These tools and features aren’t add-ons; they are integral to the experience, meaning that eVSM works seamlessly with the way Lean professionals think and operate. This thoughtful design lets eVSM enhances your workflow, providing the insights and capabilities you need to make a lasting impact.
VSM for handling mixed models, shared resources, and parallel processes
One thing that sets eVSM completely apart from any other value stream mapping tool is how it can handle complex modern production situations. Traditional VSM methods struggle when faced with mixed models, shared resources, or parallel processes. They often require workarounds or additional effort. eVSM, however, has tools and calculations built in to tackle these scenarios.
With eVSM, you can seamlessly account for mixed-model production lines where multiple product variants flow through the same system. The software’s flexibility allows you to visualize how shared resources, such as machinery or personnel, are allocated across different processes. It can take account of parallel processes, meaning you won't overlook any aspect of your workflow. These complexities are combined into a single, understandable map. This gives you a level of clarity that is almost impossible with traditional VSM methods. This capability means that your value stream map reflects the true nature of your operations, which will in turn let you make better decisions and drive more effective improvements.
Running a VSM session with eVSM completely changes the experience. It makes the process easier for everyone involved, turns your map into a living guide, and incorporates the expertise of Lean professionals into every step. While you still need to gather accurate data, eVSM means that data will make every other part of the process as efficient and impactful as possible. Whether you’re a seasoned Lean practitioner or new to value stream mapping, eVSM provides the tools and insights you need to drive real change.
We have 3 ways you can try out eVSM for free. Check them out here!