Value Stream Mapping Software

Step 2

Add Process Steps

Next, add process boxes that describe each step by selecting a process symbol in the library and, while holding the Ctrl key, using the arrow keys in the direction you want to add your process. Keep adding process symbols to build your flow.

Step 3

Add Data

You can also add boxes that contain data like C/T and C/O numbers to record cycle times and changeover times to add more detail.

Step 4

Add Shipping and Inventory

p>You can always insert shipping or inventory symbols as necessary either by using the keyboard or by dragging and dropping them to the line to be grabbed automatically. You won't have to manually reformat the diagram even if you add these after the rest of your process is built.

Step 5

Finish with the Customer

Making changes is always easy. Just delete or move steps. SmartDraw will automatically reformat your diagram and connecting lines.

Finish off your process flow by adding a customer shape at the end.

Step 6

Show Production Control and Information Flows

The information flow explains the interaction and activity between the stations of your value chain.

To show the information flow, add a separate production control symbol and link it to the starting (supplier) and end points (customer) of your map. To do so, drag and drop the symbol from the attached library.

Next, find the line labeled "Electronic Information Flow" and connect your production control to other symbols in your diagram.

Step 7

Create a Timeline to Help Detect Waste

Finally, you'll want to add a timeline. You can do this using SmartDraw's segmented shape connector. First, make sure you turn off Arrowheads in the Line style menu. Once arrowheads are set to none, you can choose the segmented "Shape Connector" in the Line type drop-down and drag your cursor to draw a segmented line. You can connect multiple