Knocking Down the Bone Pile: Best Practices for Electronic Component Salvaging
Global Citizenship: Together for a Perfect PCB Solution
Smart Automation: Odd-form Assembly—Dedicated Insertion Equipment Matters
Value Stream Mapping: Operationalizing Lean Manufacturing
October 14, 2015 | Erwin Patrocinio, Integrated Micro-Electronics Inc.Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
In the realm of electronics manufacturing services, EMS providers are continuously fraught with pressures from the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to lower the total cost of production.
One of the tools used by EMS companies to achieve this goal is value stream mapping (VSM). VSM is a lean manufacturing technique used to document, analyze and improve the flow of information or materials required to produce a product or service. It provides optimum value to the customer through a complete value creation process with minimum waste in design (concept to customer), build (order to delivery), and maintenance (in-use through life cycle to service). Through VSM, the EMS provider maximizes the customer gains by adhering to a clear vision and implementing a clear plan connecting all improvement activities.
The VSM is a visualization tool that has its origin in the Toyota version of lean manufacturing (Toyota Production System). Through this tool, inherent wastes or losses within an operation are identified. The value stream maps reflect a broad view of the process, usually from external supplier to an external customer at a given facility.
Many of the problems that the VSM exposes reach across organizational lines of responsibility and expertise. The goal of the process is to identify, demonstrate and decrease those activities that do not add value to the production process.
By applying VSM, EMS providers can have a clearer picture of multiple processes involved in a work flow, identify waste and its sources, identify where change is required, standardize the process, and identify potential problems that could be encountered in the future state. It can also be used as a tool for planning as well as for managing changes. The VSM process helps make organizations more efficient by improving their processes. Let’s see how VSM is applied in an EMS environment.
The illustration below is an example of how a VSM project is done. The workshop typically runs for several days depending on the complexity of a certain project under study, while project closure is targeted within six months.
Pre-work is being done prior to the learning session and workshop. This includes gathering and analysis of business operations information, important production details and current performance. The line walk helps in gathering more information and shows the actual scenario of production where team members do line observation in each process and take notes.
This forms part of the actual mapping process. And like any other improvement discipline, the VSM project has its own project charter that states the project timeline, estimated benefits and other project information.
Editor's Note: This article originally appeared in the October 2015 issue of SMT Magazine.
Share on:
Testimonial
"Our marketing partnership with I-Connect007 is already delivering. Just a day after our press release went live, we received a direct inquiry about our updated products!"
Rachael Temple - AlltematedSuggested Items
India’s Aerospace and Defence Engineered for Power, Driven by Electronics
09/16/2025 | Gaurab Majumdar, Global Electronics AssociationWith a defence budget of $82.05 billion (2025–26) and a massive $223 billion earmarked for aerospace and defence spending over the next decade, India is rapidly positioning itself as a major player in the global defence and aerospace market.
ASM Technologies Limited signs MoU with the Guidance, Government of Tamilnadu to Expand Design-Led Manufacturing capabilities for ESDM
09/15/2025 | ASM TechnologiesASM Technologies Limited, a pioneer in Design- Led Manufacturing in the semiconductor and automotive industries, announced signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Guidance, Government of Tamilnadu whereby it will invest Rs. 250 crores in the state to expand its ESDM related Design-Led Manufacturing and precision engineering capacity. ASM Technologies will acquire 5 acres of land from the Government of Tamilnadu to set up a state-of-the-art design facility in Tamil Nadu's growing technology manufacturing ecosystem, providing a strong strategic advantage and long-term benefits for ASM.
Variosystems Strengthens North American Presence with Southlake Relaunch 2025
09/15/2025 | VariosystemsVariosystems celebrated the relaunch of its U.S. facility in Southlake, Texas. After months of redesign and reorganization, the opening marked more than just the return to a modernized production site—it was a moment to reconnect with our teams, partners, and the local community.
Integrating Uniplate PLBCu6 With the Digital Factory Suite
09/12/2025 | Giovanni Obino and Andreas Schatz, MKS' AtotechPrinted circuit board manufacturing is rapidly changing, driven by miniaturization, stringent reliability requirements, and growing pressure for sustainable production. Meeting these challenges requires more than incremental improvements; it demands a combination of precise equipment and real-time process intelligence. The pairing of Uniplate® PLBCu6 with the Digital Factory Suite (DFS) demonstrates how hardware and software can work together to create more responsive, resource-efficient manufacturing.
WORKS Optimization from ASMPT
08/21/2025 | ASMPTWORKS Optimization from technology and market leader ASMPT is a software solution for quality-oriented and integrated process monitoring in SMT manufacturing.