Lean Principles & Value Stream Mapping Flashcards

In a Value Stream Map, what does a 'push' arrow indicate?

Answer: Material is moved based on a schedule or forecast regardless of downstream need

A push arrow indicates material is moved forward based on a schedule or forecast, not on actual downstream demand.

Which Lean principle focuses on creating smooth, uninterrupted workflow through all process steps?

Answer: Flow

The 'Flow' principle aims to make value-creating steps occur in a smooth, continuous sequence without interruption.

What is the primary purpose of the 'Process Box' in a Value Stream Map?

Answer: To depict a step where material is transformed or information is processed

A process box represents any step — manufacturing, assembly, or information processing — where transformation of material or data occurs.

A company's current state VSM shows 40 hours of process time but 14 days of lead time. What does this gap primarily represent?

Answer: Non-value-added waiting and inventory time

The large gap between process time and total lead time represents waste in the form of inventory buffers and waiting between steps.

Which symbol is used in a VSM to represent the final customer or the starting supplier?

Answer: A factory icon

External entities like customers and suppliers are represented by factory-style icons at the top corners of a VSM.

What does 'takt time' represent in Lean?

Answer: The rate at which customers demand one unit of product

Takt time is calculated as available production time divided by customer demand rate, setting the heartbeat of production.

In VSM, what is a 'kaizen burst' used to indicate?

Answer: An area targeted for immediate improvement in the future state

A kaizen burst (starburst symbol) on a VSM flags a specific area where a rapid improvement event is planned for the future state.