Understanding processes, evaluating variants and securing decisions
In many production areas, value stream analyses are still created on paper or on whiteboards. This is useful and well established for workshops. However, this form is not sufficient for the daily handling of complex production systems. Production programmes change, variants increase and decisions often have to be made under time pressure.
If value stream analyses are only carried out selectively, there is no reliable basis for sustainable improvements. This is exactly where digital value stream analysis comes in.
Taking value stream analysis further instead of starting from scratch
The value stream analysis method is an integral part of lean projects. It makes material and information flows transparent and helps to systematically identify waste. However, the classic analogue application has limitations that are particularly relevant for production managers:
- Key figures must be maintained and updated manually
- Variants and alternatives are difficult to compare
- Adjustments in the production system are difficult to track
- Results cannot be used permanently for further decisions
Continuous improvement requires more than a snapshot.
SimVSM as a tool for continuous production decisions
SimVSM transfers value stream analyses into a digital model that remains permanently usable. Value streams are modelled directly on a tablet or desktop. Key figures such as throughput time, inventory or throughput are automatically calculated and updated.
For production management and lean teams, this means
Changes in the shift model, new product variants or changed conditions can be mapped directly in the model. Variants can be compared in a targeted manner without having to restart the analysis.
Use data instead of making assumptions
Digital value stream models make it possible to incorporate real production data. Information from MES or ERP systems can be used to check plans and validate decisions. This transforms classic process observation into a data-based evaluation.
Questions about capacity limits, bottlenecks or variant diversity can also be analysed in a structured manner and documented in a comprehensible way.
Modelling, analysing and simulating with SimVSM Pro
SimVSM supports the entire analysis process from modelling to simulation. In the Pro version, value streams can be simulated dynamically, for example to evaluate planned measures before implementation or to realistically assess the effects of disruptions.
The new AI feature has also been available since 15 January. This allows analogue value stream maps from workshops to be captured by photo and automatically transferred to a digital SimVSM model. This reduces manual transfer effort and significantly speeds up the transition from recording to analysis.
Current insights and further content on the AI feature
You can find more information and practical examples on the new AI feature on our LinkedIn channel. SimPlan will also be presenting SimVSM at the LATC . In addition, a video and a podcast with our partner Martin Dahinten from Sieben are planned, in which application scenarios and experiences from projects will be presented.
Digital value stream models as a management tool
For production managers and lean managers, SimVSM transforms the value stream from a workshop result into a permanent decision-making tool. Models, key figures and scenarios are documented in a comprehensible manner and can be used across teams.
In this way, digital value stream analysis not only supports individual optimisation projects, but also the structured and data-based further development of production.
