Application of Lean Tool - Value Stream Mapping (VSM): In reducing Production Lead Time

With manufacturing becoming a more and more competitive market, companies globally strive to increase their efficiency. Increasing labor costs in many industrialized countries, as well as reducing and controlling operating costs, are just a few reasons companies choose to move or outsource their operations. Typically, a majority of companies outsource to countries where wages are low and production costs are lower. To reduce cost and remain competitive with manufacturers abroad, companies use a variety of different methods. One of the main methods is called Lean Manufacturing. The main principle of lean manufacturing is to reduce waste in an operation, such as long lead times, defects and material waste. In order to visually display where waste occurs in the process, a value stream map (VSM) is drawn. This book, therefore, provides an idea to think clear of the wastes and reduce production lead time. The analysis should help an industrial personnel to know more about the processes for its better run.