Digitalized value stream analysis: We are automating the gemba walk

Do you find that individual snapshots are not enough to analyze your production process in full? Are product families not a sensible way to map out your product range? Is the data generated from your value stream analysis not totally reliable? Does your value stream fail to take sufficient account of sustainability KPIs? Do you analyze your value streams often enough?

Fraunhofer IPA aims to make the conventional value stream method more effective using digital tools. This means that the data that is gathered digitally — as well as the value stream KPIs generated from it — is much more up-to-date, accurate and complete than data gathered in analog fashion with a clipboard and an estimate of the mean value. We are working on integrating the possibilities of digital data acquisition into the value stream method. In specific terms, this means supporting your handling of production data, from the source to the visualized value stream KPI. All of the necessary expertise, from the system architecture to the derived optimization measures, is bundled in the “digitalized value stream” research field.

The application of digitalized value streams in your company offers you the following benefits:

• Up-to-date: A value stream analysis that can be updated to the best methodological standard at any time
• Accurate: Consistent data-based calculation of value stream KPIs
• Complete: Comprehensive data capture and analysis over any length of time
• Expandable: Simple integration of sustainability KPIs from the energy value stream and carbon footprint
• Focus on the future: Parallel generation of a valuable data set for machine learning applications and improvement of master data quality

If you work with us as a development partners, you can enjoy the following benefits:

• Customization: Participate in the development of content for digitalized value streams
• Market position: Initial user of all solutions
• Competition: Preferential use of the value stream visualization
• Data security: Edge or cloud solution for absolute data sovereignty and maximum availability, depending on your preference
• Flexibility: Browser-based visualization for system and device-independent use without installation

Beyond the analysis, digitalized value streams offer interfaces to digital services that are easy to access. This means you can validate the results from the value stream design digitally using a simulation. Based on the KPI system in the value stream method, the optimized material flow and all parameters defined in the design, such as buffer sizes, are mapped out and examined with regard to specific issues. We will also work with you to develop individual solutions for event-based monitoring of production, order tracking and visualization of the relevant sustainability KPIs.

If you are interested in working with us to develop the digitalized value stream in your production process, please contact us. We look forward to working with you, exchanging experiences and enjoying shared success!