Value Stream Mapping Software
Step 1: Plan and Prepare
In any value stream mapping event, it's essential to start by identifying the scope of the map and defining the problem to be addressed.
The entire planning and preparation process can be managed in KaiNexus, from sharing the VSM charter to assigning preparation tasks and gathering relevant baseline process data. In KaiNexus, a team can be quickly pulled together and assigned various roles to assist in planning the VSM event, regardless of location, shift, or position.
Step 2: Draw A Current State VSM
Before thinking about the future state of a value stream, the current state must first be fully understood. Using KaiNexus to manage data collection for necessary items such as process times, lengths of delays, and the capacity of each step ensures that the data is accessible to all team members for monitoring. KaiNexus charts display data in customizable, easy-to-read graphs, helping you track trends and see progress.
The VSM can be drawn using whatever method your staff is currently comfortable with (on whiteboards, software, paper, etc.), with an image (or another digital file) of the map that can be attached to your VSM event in KaiNexus. This way, the map is preserved in your KaiNexus repository for future reference.
Step 3: Analyze The Current State VSM
As opportunities for improvement in the value stream are identified, users can enter them into the KaiNexus system from any device, wherever they are. The leaders of the VSM event can ensure that the right people are assigned the task of managing those opportunities over time.
KaiNexus makes it easy to see the scope of the opportunities for improvement produced by the VSM, using active notifications to ensure that all opportunities are assigned in a timely fashion.
Step 4: Draw a Future State VSM
To draw a future state VSM, it's important to work as a team to brainstorm improvements and create a better VSM that reduces the number of steps, reduces rework, or reduces the delays between steps - leading to faster service and better quality.
KaiNexus makes this easy by allowing team members to comment directly on each opportunity for improvement, with active notifications keeping everyone in the loop each step of the way.
Again, attaching an image of your future state VSM ensures that this knowledge is not lost upon completion of the event; KaiNexus creates an institutional body of knowledge accessible to all of your staff, anywhere, anytime.
Step 5: Work Toward That Future State VSM
Managing the opportunities for improvement that work toward your future state VSM in KaiNexus gives you unparalleled visibility into the progress and impact of your improvement efforts, both individually and for the entire VSM event. KaiNexus improves the communication process by storing all updates, questions, and conversations directly to improve each opportunity. This, combined with active notifications, means that your event meetings can be spent strategizing rather than giving status updates on each opportunity. Teams can assign tasks, track data points, and attach files as needed to ensure their opportunities for improvement are implemented correctly and on time.
This work can continue after the event ends until each opportunity for improvement has been implemented. KaiNexus will ensure that nothing falls through the cracks, even sending out reminders to follow up on various opportunities for improvement in the future.
