Value Stream Mapping Symbols

Value Stream Mapping symbols

are not standardized and there are
many variations. Here are the most
common symbols. You may also
Lean Resources create your own symbols for
specialized applications.

VSM Process Symbols

This icon represents the Supplier when in the
Download upper left, the usual starting point for material
VSM symbols in bmp flow. The customer is represented when placed in
and wmf format for the upper right, the usual end point for material
import into any Customer/Supplier flow.
graphics, CAD or word
processig program. This icon is a process, operation, machine or
Includes this page with department, through which material flows.
explanations in Word Typically, to avoid unwieldy mapping of every
format. single processing step, it represents one
department with a continuous, internal fixed flow
path.
In the case of assembly with several connected
workstations, even if some WIP inventory
Dedicated Process
accumulates between machines (or stations), the
entire line would show as a single box. If there are
separate operations, where one is disconnected
from the next, inventory between and batch
transfers, then use multiple boxes.

This is a process operation, department or

workcenter that other value stream families share.
Estimate the number of operators required for the
Strategos Guide To Value Stream being mapped, not the number of
Value Stream & Shared Process operators required for processing all products.
Process Mapping
This icon goes under other icons that have
significant information/data required for analyzing
and observing the system. Typical information
placed in a Data Box underneath FACTORY icons
is the frequency of shipping during any shift,
material handling information, transfer batch size,
Data Box
demand quantity per period, etc.
Typical information in a Data Box underneath
MANUFACTURING PROCESS icons: C/T (Cycle
Time) - time (in seconds) that elapses between
one part coming off the process to the next part
coming off, C/O (Changeover Time) - time to
switch from producing one product on the process
to another Uptime- percentage time that the
machine is available for processing EPE (a
measure of production rate/s) - Acronym stands
for "Every Part Every___". Number of operators -
 use OPERATOR icon inside process boxes
Number of product variations Available Capacity
Scrap rate Transfer batch size (based on process
batch size and material transfer rate)

This symbol indicates that multiple processes are

integrated in a manufacturing workcell. such cells
usually process a limited family of similar products
or a single product. Product moves from process
Workcell step to process step in small batches or single
pieces.

VSM Material Symbols

These icons show inventory between two
processes. While mapping the current state, the
amount of inventory can be approximated by a
quick count, and that amount is noted beneath
the triangle. If there is more than one inventory
accumulation, use an icon for each.
Inventory
This icon also represents storage for raw
materials and finished goods.

This icon represents movement of raw materials

from suppliers to the Receiving dock/s of the
factory. Or, the movement of finished goods
from the Shipping dock/s of the factory to the
Shipments
customers

This icon represents the "pushing" of material

from one process to the next process. Push
means that a process produces something
Push Arrow regardless of the immediate needs of the
downstream process.

This is an inventory 'supermarket" (kanban

stockpoint). Like a supermarket, a small
inventory is available and one or more
downstream customers come to the supermarket
to pick out what they need. The upstream
workcenter then replenishes stocks as required.
When continuous flow is impractical, and the
Supermarket
upstream process must operate in batch mode, a
supermarket reduces overproduction and limits
total inventory.

Supermarkets connect to downstream processes

with this "Pull" icon that indicates physical
removal.
Material Pull
 First-In-First-Out inventory. Use this icon when
processes are connected with a FIFO system
that limits input. An accumulating roller conveyor
is an example. Record the maximum possible
FIFO Lane inventory.

This icon represents an inventory "hedge" (or

safety stock) against problems such as
downtime, to protect the system against sudden
fluctuations in customer orders or system
failures. Notice that the icon is closed on all
sides. It is intended as a temporary, not a
Safety Stock permanent storage of stock; thus; there should
be a clearly-stated management policy on when
such inventory should be used.

Shipments from suppliers or to customers using

external transport.
External Shipment

VSM Information Symbols

This box represents a central production

scheduling or control department, person or
operation.
Production Control

A straight, thin arrow shows general flow of

information from memos, reports, or
conversation. Frequency and other notes may
Manual Info be relevant.

This wiggle arrow represents electronic flow

such as electronic data interchange (EDI), the
Internet, Intranets, LANs (local area network),
WANs (wide area network). You may indicate
the frequency of information/data interchange,
Electronic Info the type of media used ex. fax, phone, etc. and
the type of data exchanged.

This icon triggers production of a pre-defined

number of parts. It signals a supplying process
to provide parts to a downstream process.
Production Kanban

This icon represents a card or device that

instructs a material handler to transfer parts from
a supermarket to the receiving process. The
material handler (or operator) goes to the
Withdrawal Kanban supermarket and withdraws the necessary
items.
 This icon is used whenever the on-hand
inventory levels in the supermarket between two
processes drops to a trigger or minimum point.
When a Triangle Kanban arrives at a supplying
process, it signals a changeover and production
Signal Kanban of a predetermined batch size of the part noted
on the Kanban. It is also referred as "one-per-
batch" kanban.

A location where kanban signals reside for

pickup. Often used with two-card systems to
Kanban Post exchange withdrawal and production kanban.

This icon represents a pull system that gives

instruction to subassembly processes to
produce a predetermined type and quantity of
product, typically one unit, without using a
Sequenced Pull supermarket.

This icon is a tool to batch kanbans in order to

level the production volume and mix over a
Load Leveling period of time

Scheduling using MRP/ERP or other centralized

systems.
MRP/ERP

Gathering of information through visual means.

Go See

This icon represents verbal or personal

information flow.
Verbal Information

VSM General Symbols

These icons are used to highlight improvement
needs and plan kaizen workshops at specific
processes that are critical to achieving the Future
Kaizen Burst State Map of the value stream.

This icon represents an operator. It shows the

number of operators required to process the VSM
Operator family at a particular workstation.

Other useful or potentially useful information.

Other
 The timeline shows value added times (Cycle
Times) and non-value added (wait) times. Use this
Timeline to calculate Lead Time and Total Cycle Time.