Value Stream Analysis

Abstract

The most popular field in German engineering is the in-depth optimization of individual production processes with a view to quality, reliability and output – vital factors of sustainable corporate success, as this is where specific technological know-how is generated and developed. However, being among the leaders – or indeed in the vanguard – of technological core competencies is not always enough to defy competition; the joint correlation of the different optimized processes is an equally important success factor. Accordingly, companies need not only technical skills but also workflow management competencies. Improvements achieved in individual production processes may easily go up in smoke unless planned and implemented with reference to the entire production process. Only when all production procedures are finely coordinated and appropriately linked logistically can a company be truly successful. The value stream perspective therefore concentrates on this superordinate aspect of correlation between the various individual production processes, thus moving the focus of attention towards certain crucial success factors in production, which otherwise might be overlooked.