Value stream mapping and simulation for implementation of lean manufacturing practices in a footwear company

Abstract

The development of the Value Stream Mapping (VSM) is generally the first step for implementation of Lean Manufacturing (LM). The aim of this paper is to present an application of VSM with simulation in order to analyze the impacts of the LM adoption in the performance of a footwear plant. Therefore, a VSM was designed for the current state and, through the implementation of lean elements, a future state could be designed. Different scenarios were simulated for the future state implementation and the results were compared each other. Transfer, cutting and assembly sections were chosen to be simulated, because it was considered that would be possible to establish a one-piece flow between those processes. After the simulation, the scenario that presented the best results provided a 19% productivity increase over the current state, as well as improvement in all other process variables. The application of simulation as an additional element of VSM has helped to identify the advantages of the joint approach, since it enables to test different alternatives and better define the future state and its implementation strategies.

Keywords

• Lean Manufacturing. Mapeamento do Fluxo de Valor. Simulação.