The fourth part of the series is about Non Value Adding.
Non-value adding. In Value Stream Mapping, something that will note add value for the customer and should be removed to eliminate waste in the process.
The next three parts in the series will be about value stream categorizing starting with Value Adding.
Value adding. In Value Stream Mapping, something that creates value for the customer. I production, something that adds to the actual product.
Next up in the series is the definition of Value Stream Mapping.
It is the process of mapping out and visualizing the flow of material through the Value Stream. This in turn can be used to analyze and optimize the Value Stream.
Starting of a short series on the value stream, first up is the definition of the word Value Stream.
A value stream is all actions and processes that lead from material to finished product. Where value is created for the customer.
Today a new word was added to the terminology section. Shitsuke, the last step of 5S.
Shitsuke:
The fifth step of 5S, can be translated to “discipline” but is often used as “sustain”. It is about about building a culture and process where the first four S’s are maintained. Shitsuke if achieved only where when maintaining 5S has become a habit and not a struggle.
Today a new word was added to the terminology section. Seiketsu, the fourth step of 5S.
Seiketsu:
The fourth step of 5S, often translated as “standardize”. It is about maintaining a standard for the first three steps. In a way it is about creating and auditing standards but not litteraly about the act of creating standards itself.
Today a new word was added to the terminology section. Seiso, the third step of 5S
Seiso:
The third step of 5S, literally means “cleaning”. It is about getting the workplace clean an tidy. A common misconception is that Seiso is just cleaning itself. Think of it as creating a basis for keeping a clean workplace by eliminating sources of dirt and grime.
Today a new word was added to the terminology section. Seiton, the second step of 5S.
Seiton:
The second step of 5S, usually translated to “set-in-order”. It is about organizing everything for easy access. A common slogan is “a place for everything and everything in its place”. This includes sequencing and labeling tools in a manner supporting the work to be done. A common practice is creating shadow boards.
Today a new word was added to the terminology section. Seiri, the first step of 5S.
Seiri:
The first step of 5S, usually translated to “sort”. It is about sorting everything in a workarea and decide if it is needed for getting the job done. Things not needed are removed.
Kaizen – Change for better
Kaizen is the Japanese word for “Improvement”. The literal translation is “Change for Better”.
Within Lean is often referred to as Continuous Improvement, even though this is not in the literal translation is implied in its use. Continuous Improvement is one of the two base pillars of Lean, the other being respect for people (or respect for humanity).
The process of Kaizen is built around the philosophy that you should always strive to better yourself or better the processes of your business. Eliminating waste is the main focus of Kaizen and it is beneficial for both the workers and the company. One should always strive to root out waste and make daily improvements. The big improvements may be impressive, but the small improvements add up over time and make a culture of improvement present within all layers of the company. Each time an improvement is made it becomes deeper engrained in the culture of the company.
Exactly how these improvements are made differ through many different tools and methods. In the workplace the method of 5S is common to organize and set in order for an efficient work environment. When it comes to more advanced improvements it is common to work within the framework of PDCA (Plan, Do, Check and Act).
No matter how you go about it you should always document the improvements made, this is important not only for benchmarking but also to learn and fully understand what has been done and why. Also, it is a great help if you are to spread a particular solution to other parts of the business. Due to the documentation some companies refer to form where you document your improvements as Kaizen and they are sometimes divided into different levels depending on the size of the improvement.
