Value Stream Mapping for the Process Industries: Creating a Roadmap for Lean Transformation

Providing a framework that highlights waste and its negative effects on process performance, value stream maps (VSMs) are essential components for successful Lean initiatives. While the conventional VSM format has the basic structure to effectively describe process operations, it must be adapted and expanded to serve its purpose in the process industry. This book describes in detail how to create a complete VSM for a process industry manufacturing operation. Detailing the unique features of process operations and why they require additions and adjustments to traditional VSMs, the book walks readers through the steps in analyzing the map. It explains how to scope improvement projects, prioritize them, and then use future state VSMs to illustrate and motivate systemic improvement. In doing so, it supplies readers with a roadmap for a complete Lean transformation. Describes how to analyze the map for waste and flow issues so that they can be reduced and even eliminated Provides examples of the calculations needed for the flow parameters in data boxes Explains how the VSM concept can be applied to the entire supply chain Includes strategies for engaging your entire workforce in map creation The book introduces a target manufacturing process and uses it to describe how to create a complete VSM. The target process is complex enough to illustrate the issues often encountered in mapping a process industry operation, but straightforward enough to explain all of the mapping considerations and decisions. The book includes real examples of how VSMs brought much greater clarity to the real issues the processes faced and cases where the insight enabled management to avoid costly, inappropriate investments.

Table of Contents:
The Value of Mapping. Value Stream Mapping Fundamentals. VSM Enhancements for Process Operations. Additional Good Mapping Practices. Our Focusing Problem—A Synthetic Fiber Process. Developing the Material Flow. Calculating Data Box Parameters. Material Flow Rates and Takt. Completing the Data Boxes: Utilization, Delivery Frequency, and Days of Supply. Mapping the Information Flow. Developing the Timeline. Finding the Waste—Analyzing the Map. Scoping the Opportunities. Implementation Strategy and Sequence. Future State Value Stream Maps. Supply Chain Mapping. VSM as a Way of Engaging Employees. A Roadmap for Continuous Improvement. Benefits of Developing a VSM.

About the Author :
Peter L. King, Jennifer S. King

Review :
Value Stream Mapping has become a key tool for implementing Lean thinking and positive change across our business. This book describes, in detail, the process by which Pete King has helped many organizations like ours to delight customers and relentlessly drive out waste. A must-read for any executive wanting to facilitate a transformation journey within the process industries.—Steve Anderson, Global Vice President of Supply, Afton Chemical Pete King has developed an international reputation as a leading authority on the subject of Lean in the process industries. In this book, he superbly condenses his decades of practical experience into a clear and highly effective guide. From diagnosing the major wastes and inhibitors to flow, to designing and executing a roadmap, Pete offers everything required to deliver true operational excellence from Value Stream Mapping.—Pete Wright, Managing Director & Principal Consultant, Pico Consulting Ltd. A must-read for practitioners and consultants alike. So far, Lean initiatives in the process industry have been handicapped by the fact that all good books on Value Stream Mapping refer to discrete manufacturing. Food, pharma, and chemical processes are, by their nature, different and need an adapted approach. Peter King’s deep, hands-on experience provides the process industry with a state-of-the-art toolkit to eliminate waste and reach breakthrough performance. —Hans van Oosteren, Managing Partner, Improvium The book is very practical in its organization: for each theoretical step, King includes real-world examples. More than a book on VSM, it offers us a meaningful and complete discussion about process industry productivity. As he explains the different parts of the map, King skillfully guides us through various practical approaches used to eliminate waste and create flow. It is remarkable how he managed to include so much knowledge and experience into a book that is so pleasant to read.—Henrique Fagundes, Operations Implementation Leader, McKinsey & Company Peter has based this book on his extensive experience, to create a clear guide which will be invaluable for both leaders and Lean professionals. The user will be able to use the VSM to identify waste and remove bottlenecks, following the real examples from both the discrete product and process industries. This is the first book I have read on the subject that goes into the required level of depth and detail to clearly demonstrate the path to a complete Lean transformation.—John Cockburn-Evans, Fellow, Institute of.Chem.E.; Certified Professional Coach; Senior Consultant & Lean Coach, DuPont Sustainable Solutions