Applying VSM methods and tools
Every VSM tool vendor has its unique VSM process, usually tailored to its business origins and its software tools' focus or strength. We don't need software tools to implement VSM capabilities, though they are a huge enabler. Still, before we invest in VSM tools, we must first learn the basic concepts and approaches behind the implementation of VSM practices.
VSM implementations, as described in this book, follow an eight-step process outlined by Don Tapping, Tom Luyster, and Tom Shuker in their Value Stream Management books (Tapping, Luyster, Shuker, 2002; Tapping, Shuker, 2003). Specifically, the eight steps walk an organization through a VSM process to plan, map, and sustain Lean improvements.
The following screenshot introduces the eight VSM steps:
Figure 4.5 – Eight-step VSM process to plan, map, and sustain Lean practices
In contrast to Tapping's, Luyster's, and Shuker's books, whose...