Publications

One of the best-known tools from Lean Thinking is the Value Stream Mapping (VSM), which stands for a visual modelling approach allowing the identification of critical steps in a supply chain, thus helping to identify organisational bottlenecks and wastes. Despite its relevance, VSM is based on a static report from the time the mapping was performed. To add dynamism to VSM analysis, computer-based simulations can be employed; however, little is done in the domain of Systems Dynamics (SD), a known modelling approach usually employed to get insights about stock and flows behaviour. In this context, this research aims to propose a practical framework called VSM-to-SD to help modellers easily translate VSM into System Dynamics quantitative models using the notation of two known modelling tools on the market, namely Stella(C) and Vensim(C). To demonstrate its usefulness and ease-of-use, a proof-of-concept is developed in an industrial case study. Results suggest the efficiency of the VSM-to-SD framework, including its ability to straightforwardly generate simulation-based VSM, allowing analytic comparisons of different simulation scenarios, and expanding the analytic decision-making capacity of managers desiring to go further than traditional and static VSM.

de Assis, R. F., de Santa-Eulalia, L. A., Ferreira, W. d. P., Armellini, F., Anholon, R., Rampasso, I. S. et Santos, J. G. C. L. d. (2021). Translating value stream maps into system dynamics models: A practical framework. The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 114(11-12), 3537-3550.