From research project to new app function
Initial situation: analogue value stream analysis meets digital processing
Value stream analysis has been a key tool in lean management for many years. In practice, processes are often deliberately recorded in analogue form. Brown paper, cards, sticky notes and symbols support joint discussion within the team and make processes quickly visible. This way of working has proven particularly effective in workshops.
However, this analogue approach has always represented a clear break with digital processing. Value stream maps had to be recreated manually in software tools. This step was time-consuming, prone to errors and often led to delays in digital analysis or even prevented it from taking place at all.
Against this backdrop, the question arose as to whether analogue value stream maps could be recorded automatically and converted into digital models. This is exactly where the new AI feature in SimVSM comes in.
KompAKI research project and participating partners
The basis for the new function was developed as part of the KompAKI research project. The aim of the project was to investigate the use of artificial intelligence in industrial applications in a practical manner and to make it usable.
Several partners with clearly defined roles were involved:
The Institute for Production Management, Technology and Machine Tools at the PTW of the Technical University of Darmstadt contributed scientific methods and AI expertise to the project. The focus was on the reliable recognition of structures, symbols and relationships in analogue value stream representations.
SIEBEN Consulting Training System GmbH supported the project with extensive training data, templates and methodological know-how from practical value stream work. SIEBEN’s value stream kit served as an important basis for standardised symbols and map formats.
SimPlan bundled the results from research and practice and transferred them into a concrete app function within SimVSM. The aim was to create a solution that integrates seamlessly into existing workflows while significantly simplifying the transition to digital analysis.
How AI-supported value stream digitisation works in SimVSM
The new AI feature in SimVSM is expected to be available from 15 January 2026. It helps users to quickly and efficiently convert analogue value stream maps into digital models.
The process is deliberately kept simple:
First, the value stream is set up in analogue form as usual, for example with cards and symbols from a value stream kit. Then, a photo of the value stream is taken with the SimVSM app. The integrated AI recognises the elements contained, interprets their structure and automatically generates a digital value stream model from them.
This model is immediately available for further processing. Key figures can be analysed, alternatives modelled and simulations carried out as required. The manual reconstruction that was previously necessary is completely eliminated.
This results in a noticeable gain in efficiency, especially for companies that regularly conduct value stream analyses in workshops. Teams can continue to work in their familiar analogue way and still continue working directly in digital form.
Benefits for lean projects and hybrid working methods
In many improvement projects, value stream mapping is the starting point for analysis. The new AI function supports precisely this point and closes the gap between analogue recording and digital evaluation.
A key advantage lies in the hybrid approach. Users are not forced to abandon their tried-and-tested methods. Instead, the solution combines analogue strengths with the possibilities of digital analysis and simulation.
This creates a robust digital foundation early on in the project. Variants can be compared, the effects of changes can be simulated, and decisions become more transparent. At the same time, the workshop character is retained, which ensures acceptance and common understanding within the team.
The value stream kit as a practical introduction
A proven tool for analogue value stream work is the value stream kit from SIEBEN Consulting Training System GmbH. The cards and symbols it contains are clearly designed, labelled and specially tailored to the requirements of value stream analysis.
They support facilitators and teams in recording processes in a structured manner and discussing them together. Both experienced users and beginners benefit from the uniform presentation.
In the KompAKI project, the value stream kit also played an important role in the development of AI. The standardised symbols and formats facilitated image recognition training and contributed significantly to the practicality of the solution.
Further information on the value stream kit can be found here: lean-kaizen-shop.de/
Outlook: From the workshop wall to simulation
With AI-supported value stream digitisation, SimVSM expands the existing range of functions with a crucial component. The transition from brown paper to digital model is significantly simplified and accelerated.
This creates a continuous connection between workshop, analysis and simulation. Companies are given the opportunity to convert value stream analyses into reliable decision-making bases more quickly and to use digital methods where they offer real added value.
Further information on the AI feature and availability will be added to the website in the coming weeks.
