Inside Look at Continuous Improvement

In late July we asked Eric Blaha to lead the team that produces Enterprise Minnesota® magazine through a two-day value stream mapping exercise. The results were eye-opening and inspiring.

Blaha has developed extraordinary skills as he’s taken dozens of companies through VSM in recent years. He deftly led our crew and engaged the skeptics who wondered how a process designed for manufacturing would benefit a creative endeavor.

With his guidance we listed every step it takes to produce an issue of the magazine, outlining what he characterizes as the “current state” process. Next, we identified each of those steps as value add, non-value add but necessary, or waste. Whenever tangential topics or ideas came up during our initial discussions, Blaha added them to a list he called the “parking lot” that he assured us we would revisit later. It was an effective way to keep us moving forward without forgetting legitimate suggestions or concerns.

On day two, we eliminated or modified steps, particularly those in the “non-value add necessary” category, which Blaha says are often the most fruitful areas for improvement. We also revisited our “parking lot” issues, incorporating many into the revised process. Finally, he created a list of action items required to implement the new process and gave each one an owner and a deadline to ensure continued momentum.

The exercise produced impressive results. By the middle of the first day everyone was on board, including the most entrenched naysayer. By removing or revising certain steps in our production process, we anticipate saving up to 43 days. As we revise the process, we’ll reduce frustration, eliminate duplicate work and produce a higher quality publication. We’ll also alleviate the bottlenecks that cause tension and rushed work.

Blaha’s improvements will streamline a schedule that has expanded over the years, and little disruptions have a tendency to turn into significant logjams.

The exercise helped our team for the same reason it helps manufacturers on the shop floor and in the office. We described and evaluated the role of every task in the production cycle and created a more efficient process and a plan to get there. We’re all VSM cheerleaders now.

Follow this link for more information on how your company can benefit from VSM.

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