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Description

Value Stream Mapping (VSM): Map Flows, Measure and Improve

Making visible the time lost between two operations rather than optimising each workstation in isolation

  • 1 day — 7 h
  • In-person or virtual
  • Intermediate
  • Up to 6 participants

Workstations are optimised one by one and yet the lead time seen by the customer does not move. Most of the time elapses between operations, in queues, intermediate stocks and information back-and-forth. Without a shared representation of the complete flow, each department defends its own local performance.

This one-day programme teaches participants how to build a value stream map. They gather data on the shop floor, draw the current state, calculate the ratio between value-added time and total time, then design a future state supported by a plan of improvement workstreams. The method applies equally to a production area and to an administrative process.

Learning objectives

  • Define the product family and the scope to be mapped
  • Collect time, inventory and quality data on the shop floor
  • Draw a current-state map covering both physical flows and information flows
  • Calculate lead time and the value-added ratio
  • Build a future state and translate it into prioritised workstreams

What makes this programme different

The map is drawn by hand on paper before any software tool is used
The field data collection is prepared with a data sheet to be completed workstation by workstation
The future state is translated into workstreams with a deadline and a named owner

Programme

1Principles and Preparation of the Map

Choosing what to observe

  • The value stream concept and reading the business through flow
  • Selecting the product family and setting the boundaries of the scope
  • Symbols and drawing conventions
  • Organising field data collection and the data to be gathered

2Drawing the Current State

Making waste visible

  • Representing operations and intermediate stocks
  • Recording cycle times, changeover times and service levels
  • Information flows and order triggering
  • Building the timeline and calculating the value-added ratio

3Future State and Improvement Plan

From drawing to workstreams

  • Identifying bottlenecks and flow loops
  • Levers for levelling, pull flow and reducing batch sizes
  • Drawing the future state and setting target indicators
  • Building the workstream plan and tracking progress

Who is it for

Production and methods managers, continuous improvement project leaders and supply chain managers.

Prerequisites

Initial experience of process analysis or continuous improvement initiatives

Dates & locations

36 scheduled dates between November 2026 and December 2027. Seats are confirmed in the order enquiries are received.

November 2026

December 2026

January 2027

February 2027

March 2027

April 2027

May 2027

June 2027

September 2027

October 2027

November 2027

December 2027

None of these dates suit you? We open additional sessions on request, and any programme can be run privately for your team.

Practical details

Before the programme
Online positioning questionnaire. Your development objectives are shared with the trainer, who tailors the practical case studies to your context.
Teaching methods
Theoretical input, workshops and practical case studies. Digital course materials and method sheets provided.
Assessment
Multiple-choice tests and role-play exercises. Assessment of learning at the start and end of the programme, with immediate and 60-day follow-up evaluations.
After the programme
One year of access to the e-learning platform. Self-assessment of the skills acquired and a 30-day follow-up session with your trainer.
How to register
Registration online or on the basis of a quotation.
Lead time
11 working days after confirmation of registration.
Accessibility
Accessible to people of determination. Contact our accessibility coordinator to design a suitable solution: contact@mpf-academy.ae
Start dates
Rolling intake: in addition to the scheduled sessions, this programme can start on request.