Briefly outline the steps to be followed in evaluating and improving a process using value stream mapping

What will be an ideal response?

VSM analysts begin by selecting a product family for which the mapping will be done. This is followed by drawing a current state map of the existing production situation, and gathering and including all pertinent information on material and information flows (cycle times, scrap rates, machine uptime, batch sizes, etc.). Once the current state map is completed, the analysts use lean systems principles (e.g., load leveling, pull scheduling, Kanban systems) to create a future state map with more streamlined product flows. In this step, sources of waste are highlighted, and means for eliminating them are identified. Finally an implementation plan for achieving the future state is developed, which then becomes the blueprint for implementing and fine tuning a lean system. The process does not stop here, but provides continuous improvement opportunities as a new future state map is drawn after the lean system has been further improved.