Achieving Business Agility at Small to Mid-Scale (online book)FLEXSteps of FLEX
The following diagram shows a representation of the value stream’s four main areas of focus: It is important to realize that although Lean uses flow as a metaphor, that can be misleading in two ways:
The intention, however, is to realize that there is an order in which work takes place and that constraining any part of the stream slows everything down. Also, by looking at queues (think of reservoirs before a dam) one can see where these constraints exist. When looking at this diagram therefore, it is important to recognize that it is just being used to illustrate the four main responsibilities within the value stream:
While not shown on the diagram, there is a fifth aspect to the value stream – that is – it’s management. As Edwards Deming said – “A system must be managed. It will not manage itself. Left to themselves, components become selfish, competitive, independent profit centers, and thus destroy the system … The secret is cooperation between components toward the aim of the organization.” |