Using a Value Stream Map as High Level Process Map

[Dizzydom]

Hello,

I am the new Manufacturing Manager for 50-person manufacturing organization. We have a goal to become registered to ISO-9000:2K in 2007.

I am planning a value stream mapping exercise at the GM's request (will help educate me on their processes). My question is can this value stream map also serve as the higher level process map that defines "what we do and how we do it" which I think can be the basis for our quality manual?

Thanks,

Dom

[Madfox]

Sure it can...
I've noted/posted elsewhere my thought(s) that a VSM is really just a detailed process map with data.

Unfortunately, I usually see output from "high level" mapping projects reflect a "managerial-centric" view rather than a realistic depiction of what the organization does to make a living. For example, the maps often has the "management" or "improvement" processes taking up 1/4 - 1/3 of the map when management meets or two days a year, or the organization generates a handful of CA/PA's annually.

Make it show what you really, really do on a daily basis!
Follow order flow!

The Madfox

[Paul Simpson]

Originally Posted by Dizzydom

Hello,

I am the new Manufacturing Manager for 50-person manufacturing organization. We have a goal to become registered to ISO-9000:2K in 2007.

I am planning a value stream mapping exercise at the GM's request (will help educate me on their processes). My question is can this value stream map also serve as the higher level process map that defines "what we do and how we do it" which I think can be the basis for our quality manual?

Thanks,

Dom

IMHO the value stream map does not generally cover a lot of the support functions and the business planning / leadership type processes. If you can bring those in then it should serve your purpose.

Good luck.

[tjwoolno]

I agree with Paul. You have to make sure that you cover your support systems but I do think that the Value Stream Map is an excellent starting point. Good Luck!

[Dizzydom]

Thanks for the feed back. I have attached a spreadsheet that I wish to use as our quality manual. Three tabs 1) Scope 2) High Level Process Map 3) Process Matrix (still missing the hot links to corporate/local procedures and instructions). My goal is to have this be our quality manual as I believe it meets the requirement of a quality manual.

Am I way off base with my assumptions?

Thanks,

DizzyDom

[AndyN]

I would agree with Paul on this one. Typically, a value stream map isn't the description of the business processes and their 'sequence and interaction', which you would have to describe in your QM. As I understand a VSM, it describes the (much) lower level of process along which movement of materials, people etc can be identified, with the aim of driving out non-value added/waste activities.

A simple linear process map would be quite adequate.

Your excel file was interesting, but I'm not sure it would pass muster as far as getting you registered. Although I favor a less than traditional approach to the normal manuals (which replicate the standard, clause by clause), I feel your example would be a bit too radical. One thing you might ask is, can your management 'talk to it'?

There's a (long) thread about 4 page manuals here, somewhere........