Value stream mapping method: An application in a manufacturing factory

The Value Stream Mapping (VSM) method is a visual technique used to see waste, inefficiency, non-value added operations and processes. VSM allows businesses to clearly see the waste in their production processes and develop potential projects to improve their production processes. The aim of this study is to design a lean value stream that eliminates waste, reduces lead time and lead time, increases productivity and quality, and thus optimizes the entire system flow. With this chosen method, firstly the current situation was drawn and wastes that had not been considered or recognized before were identified. Three alternative maps for the future situation, which were prepared according to the current situation and other necessary data obtained from the enterprise, were created and suggestions were made to reduce or eliminate wastes. The total flow time of 1.430.950 seconds (16,5 days) was reduced to 669.140, 842.895 and 756.010 seconds respectively in the three alternative maps. These data correspond to approximately 8, 10, and 9 days. As a result, 51%, 39% and 45% improvement rates in the flow times for each alternative were obtained with the suggestions made and various alternatives, respectively.