Re: Value Stream Mapping Information needed
you mean to say, any number less than 8005 is alright?
Not at all. I would need to see your process, and understand the work that is involved or takes place at each process step. You may very well need to create some inventory between process steps due to the imbalance between the various processes. Think of, "The Goal" and the Theory of Constraints. In the Demand Flow Technology (DFT) approach, this is referred to as an In-Process-Kanban (IPK).
Ideally, the processes would flow from one to another with no need to have any inventory between the steps. But that is the ideal scenario and not always possible to accomplish without some serious effort if at all.
The next preferred method would be a FIFO (First-In-First-Out) Flow. Think of an assembly line operation where the next part in the line is the one worked on. The space between operations effectively restricts the amount of WIP that can build up between any two operations.
Third, we would have kanban which can either draw from a supermarket or other inventory location, or be used to just signal production of a fixed quantity.
The last, and most common method, is the traditional batch-and-queue where inventory builds up between processes.
Without understanding your exact process and the type of work performed at each operation, it would be next to impossible for anyone to give you an honest assessment about how much is too much.
As a rule of thumb though, if inventory builds up between processes then there is an area ripe with opportunity. Use the visual cue of inventory piles/skids/etc.; as an area to review with a little more attention and ask yourself why it is there and how much is really necessary?
Wayne