How do you use Value Stream Mapping to drive improvement?
Value Stream Maps are a useful and powerful tool that can be used to understand complex processes and organizations. However, many organizations fall short in their implementation of VSMs. Oftentimes the Value Stream Mapping activity is completed to satisfy a corporate requirement rather than drive meaningful change. This question is less about the candidate's ability to read or create a VSM and more about the candidate's ability to identify impactful improvements based on the information contained in the VSM. The candidate should focus on their practical experience and improve business results using Value Stream Mapping.
"Once a current state VSM has been created, I will look for constraints and wastes that are evident in the map. Often problem areas can be identified around large inventory accumulations. Once a problem area is identified, I will work to understand what is causing the constraint and then work to implement projects to alleviate the constraint. Always I treat the VSM as a tool to drive cost reduction, rather than a paper exercise to satisfy a requirement."