Time Value Maps
Time Value Maps highlight non-value-added activities that inflate lead times and hinder efficient production flow. By combining Lean analysis techniques with real-time data from IoT, MES, and ERP systems, manufacturers can continuously identify and eliminate unnecessary delays, reducing costs and accelerating throughput. For more information on implementing Time Value Maps in your operations, contact us at VDI.
What Is It?
Time Value Maps (TVMs) are a Lean tool used to visualize and analyze every step of a manufacturing process in terms of the time spent adding value versus the time spent in non-value-added (NVA) activities. By closely examining production sequences—material flow, wait times, inspection processes, and more—organizations can pinpoint inefficiencies, reduce lead times, and streamline workflows. When integrated with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), real-time data from IoT sensors, and advanced analytics, Time Value Maps help manufacturers achieve greater visibility into process inefficiencies and potential opportunities for continuous improvement.
Why Is It Important?
Time Value Maps are crucial for maximizing operational efficiency and profitability by identifying where production flow stalls or where unnecessary waits occur. Key advantages include: Targeted Waste Elimination: Highlights non-value-added activities that can be trimmed or eliminated. Reduced Lead Times: Minimizes waiting periods and accelerates process flow. Improved Throughput: Enhances operational capacity without major capital investment. Data-Driven Decision-Making: Relies on real-time metrics to guide improvement priorities. Employee Engagement: Empowers teams to suggest and implement changes that improve daily workflows.
Who Is Involved?
Suppliers
- •MES capturing real-time production data like cycle times, throughput, and downtime.
- •ERP systems offering insight into scheduling, order fulfillment, and resource allocation.
- •IoT sensors providing live updates on machine performance, material flow, and environment conditions.
- •Quality systems tracking defect rates, rework frequency, and inspection data.
Process
- •Teams map the current production workflow from raw material receipt to finished goods.
- •Data from MES, ERP, and IoT sensors is overlaid to reveal time spent on value-added vs. non-value-added tasks.
- •Potential bottlenecks and inefficiencies (e.g., waiting, rework, excessive handling) are identified.
- •Improvement strategies are proposed, tested, and implemented to minimize NVA activities.
- •Updated TVMs track progress toward lead-time reduction and overall efficiency gains.
Customers
- •Operations managers gain a clearer picture of bottlenecks and hidden waste.
- •Production supervisors leverage real-time updates to shorten lead times.
- •Quality assurance teams use time-based data to align process improvements with defect reduction.
Other Stakeholders
- •Financial teams see cost savings from reduced labor, rework, and scrap.
- •Leadership teams use TVM analyses to drive strategic process improvements.
- •Customers benefit from faster turnaround times and consistent product quality.