 Howard Weston explains value stream mapping. |
Value Stream Mapping, the second session in the Oakland University Pawley Lean Institute’s Summer Lean Series, took place Monday, July 11 at the Macomb-OU INCubator.
An overview of value stream mapping was presented by Lester Sutherland, a Lean six sigma coach in the Operations Department at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and Howard Weston, managing director at KWA North, a management consulting industry.
The pair gave an interactive lesson on how to use the tool.
Participants read a case study and were given the opportunity to literally try their hand at mapping, drawing their own value stream maps from the study.
“It was a great way to adopt value stream mapping for your company or organization,” said one participant.
Attendees also worked in groups to explore ways to reduce the waste they found from their diagrams. Many participants said the mapping and hands-on style of learning were educational and engaging.
“I have enjoyed participating in the first two Lean sessions, both have been very informative and energizing,” said Starr Cornell, director of alumni engagement and annual giving at Oakland University.
This Summer Lean Series gives participants a beginner’s look at the immense world of Lean. And as our participants so far have agreed, these sessions have taught them a great deal – but there’s a lot of Lean knowledge left to be digested.
“I find myself on the valley floor of Lean looking up at the mountain that must be climbed – feeling a bit overwhelmed but hopeful,” said Cornell.
How to Diversify Using Lean, the final in this three-course program, will take place Tuesday, August 2. The session will focus on using Lean to help companies diversify and as an assessment tool. PMC consultants Janie Farner and Ravi Lote will also give an overview of the reasons companies diversify into new areas of industry.
Register online here, or visit oakland.edu/lean for more information.