How do I create a value stream map?

August 16, 2009 7:58 PM

Where can I find a good tutorial on value stream mapping?

For a business project I'm working on, I need to learn to read and create value stream map diagrams. Specifically, I need to learn the visual syntax: what the different symbols/shapes/arrows mean, and how they connect to each other. I do not need to gain an in-depth understanding; I just need to spend a few hours familiarizing myself with this diagram type, so that if someone asks me to create a basic VSM to represent a particular process, I will know how.

So far I haven't been able to find a good tutorial/cheat sheet on the web. Does anyone have recommendations for web resources or books that might be useful?

posted by lunchbox to Work & Money (1 answer total)

Best answer: Microsoft offers a free 60 day trial of Visio 2007 Professional, which you'll need to work through their online example of value stream mapping. Only the Professional version has the value stream mapping icons and connectors you'll need to create complete diagrams. It helps if you start by creating simplified state diagrams to fully understand your process, and its lead times.

Here's a more detailed Web tutorial that is paper based, but goes into constructing the material flow, inventory/wait times and information flow sub-sections.
posted by paulsc at 12:40 AM on August 17, 2009