DESIGN OF A MOBILE WORKSTATION FOR VALUE STREAM MAPPING

Abstract

Lean Thinking is a manufacturing strategy that is focused on eliminating waste. Value Stream Mapping (VSM) is a tool that has globally become the accepted foundation for strategic planning to implement Lean Thinking in industry. However, most VSM’s are still created using a pencil-and-paper method or simple drawing software; these methods lack the power of Industrial Engineering (IE) tools for stochastic modeling with simulation. This thesis will address the limitations of traditional Value Stream Mapping and propose a merger of computer technology with Industrial Engineering theory to create a mobile workstation for Value Stream Mapping in real project situations. A trained IE could use this workstation to generate VSM’s and dynamically evaluate operational improvements even as he/she leads a team of top managers on a walkthrough of the facility.