FlowBreeze Adds Value Stream Mapping

FlowBreeze now includes Value Stream Mapping tools. FlowBreeze has two tools that simplify creating Value Stream Maps - the VSM Template Generator and the VSM Symbols task pane. The VSM tools augment the existing text-to-flowchart capabilities of FlowBreeze, and are an added feature for no extra cost - an extremely good value. Plus, FlowBreeze is a Microsoft Excel add-in, so the resulting diagrams can be viewed by and shared with anyone who uses Excel.

VSM Template Generator

The template generator is a way to kick start diagrams by allowing you to make re-usable Excel template files with the base outline on a value stream map. You can set a standard title bar, and add base elements, including supplier, customer, production control, process blocks, and data timelines. Below is an example of a value stream mapping outline created with the template generator.

VSM Symbols Task Pane

The task pane, shown below, allows you to add symbols two ways: 1) Selecting the symbol, entering shape-specific data, then clicking Add Shape, or 2) by simply doubling-clicking the symbol. Symbols are added to the worksheet in the currently selected cell.

Available Value Stream Mapping Symbols

• Process
• U-Cell
• Operator
• Factory (Customer / Supplier)
• Production Control
• Schedule
• Go See
• Shipment Arrow
• Push Arrow
• Manual Information Arrow
• Electronic Information
• FIFO lane
• Load Leveling
• Kaizen Burst
• Production Kanban
• Batch Production Kanban
• Withdrawal Kanban
• Batch Withdrawal Kanban
• Kanban Post
• Supermarket
• Buffer
• Inventory
• Signal Kanban
• Physical Pull
• Sequenced Pull
• Pull Arrow 1
• Pull Arrow 2
• Pull Arrow 3
• Pull Arrow 4
• Truck
• Forklift
• Airplane
• Boat
• Non Value-Added Time
• Value Added Time
• Timeline Total
• Data Table

For more information, visit the FlowBreeze Value Stream Mapping product page. Or, you can go to the product page and download a free trial today.