Example of a Value Stream Map

VSMs are a powerful way to communicate complex process information in a simple way.

However, most of the time when I'm working on reducing in process waste, I will map the customer value chain from left to right using self adhesive notes with one actiivity written on one note.  Once the sequence of events has been mapped and agreed, the mapping team will agree which of those activities add value and place these above a horizontal line. The non value adding activities are placed below that line.   This is a quick, visual way to identify and remove waste, especially in processes which have a high number of manual activities.

An example of a VSM is below.  The yellow bursts are Kiazen Bursts which identify how the process or workflow could be improved.  I created that map using Visio 2007

Example of a VSM

VSMs are a powerful way to communicate complex process information in a simple way.

However, most of the time when I'm working on reducing in process waste, I will map the customer value chain from left to right using self adhesive notes with one activity written on one note.  Once the sequence of events has been mapped and agreed, the mapping team will agree which of those activities add value and place these above a horizontal line. The non value adding activities are placed below that line.   This is a quick, visual way to identify and remove waste, especially in processes which have a high number of manual activities.

An example of a VSM is below.  The yellow bursts are Kiazen Bursts which identify how the process or workflow could be improved.  I created that map using Visio 2007


How to Batch replace hyperlinks in Microsoft Office Word

To change the hyperlink path in a word document, I tried using Find and Replace when in field code mode.  The field codes updated but the links continued to point to the old address.  Finally, after two hours I found the page below:

http://www.fanhow.com/knowhow:Batch_replace_hyperlinks_in_Microsoft_Office_Word_75605456

After editing the field codes you must select all content and then refresh the document using the  F9 key to update the hyperlinks.  However, this only works on Word 2003.  

Showing field codes in Word 2007

When Microsoft 'upgraded' Word 2003 to 2007, they moved the option to view field codes from the tools menu (Tools/Options/View/Field Codes) but don't tell you where to find it in Word 2007.

This is where to find it now:

1. Click on the mulitcoloured Office button on the top left hand of the screen
2. Select the 'Word Options' button at the bottom of the dialogue box
3. Click the 'Advanced' button and scroll down to 'Show Document Content'
4. Click on 'Show field codes instead of thier values'

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Woody Guthrie: 'Any fool can make something complicated. It takes a genius to make it simple'