VSM is a browser-based tool for drawing and calculating value stream maps. It shows the flow of material and information from supplier to customer, reveals where products wait, and helps you design a future state with a shorter lead time.
The program continues to develop. User feedback, problem reports and suggestions help guide its next steps.
A map built from VSM symbols
Build the map from standard symbols: customer and supplier, processes, inventory, supermarkets, FIFO, transport, production control, heijunka, kanban and more. Drag the symbols and connect them with material and information arrows. Clicking a symbol opens its data table, for example C/T, C/O, uptime, number of operators or inventory quantities by variant.
Live calculations
After every change VSM recalculates and displays:
- takt time based on demand and available working time,
- days of inventory, lead time (LT), processing time (PT) and the value-added ratio,
- a timeline under the map that follows the position of the symbols,
- warnings, for example a process slower than takt or low uptime.
Current and future states
One project can hold several maps, such as the current and the future state. The program compares them and shows the change in lead time, processing time and number of operators. A door wiring harness example with both maps is available to get you started.
Working with results
Save the map as a project or a file, export it as PNG or SVG, or print it to PDF together with the key figures. The tool works on computers and phones without software installation.
Who is it for?
Lean and Kaizen leaders, process, logistics and planning engineers, and production managers who want to see the whole value stream rather than a single workstation.
Have feedback about the tool? Contact me.