Tool 211: ValueNon-Value-Added Cycle Time Chart

Tool 211: Value/Non-Value-Added Cycle Time Chart

AKA

N/A

Classification

Analyzing/Trending (AT)

Tool description

A value/non-value-added cycle time chart displays all activities and the cycle time required from the start point to the stop point of a process. The intent of this tool is to identify non-value-added activities such as lengthy delays, redundant or time-wasting activities, or excessive reviews and approvals. The chart should be constructed by a team that owns the process. Participants have a good understanding of the activities and therefore are best suited to collectively reduce cycle time of the overall process.

Typical application

• To identify non-value-added activities and excessive delay times in a process.

• To draw a detailed chart for the purpose of completing redesign, problem resolution, and cycle-time reduction activities.

• To capture the "as is" process flow in order to have a common understanding of the process for further problem-solving efforts.

Problem-solving phase

→	Select and define problem or opportunity
→	Identify and analyze causes or potential change
	Develop and plan possible solutions or change
	Implement and evaluate solution or change
	Measure and report solution or change results
	Recognize and reward team efforts

Typically used by

	Research/statistics
	Creativity/innovation
	Engineering
2	Project management
3	Manufacturing
	Marketing/sales
	Administration/documentation
4	Servicing/support
	Customer/quality metrics
1	Change management

links to other tools

before

• Problem Specification

• Process Mapping

• Potential Problem Analysis (PPA)

• Systems Analysis Diagram

• Pareto Chart

after

• Process Analysis

• Problem Analysis

• What-If Analysis

• Activity analysis

• Force Field Analysis (FFA)

Notes and key points

• Symbols and scale:

  

Step-by-step procedure

• STEP 1 The team facilitator assembles a team that consists of representatives (process owners) of the process to be charted. Flip charts or a white-board is needed to draw the chart.

• STEP 2 The team determines the start and stop points of the process. The appropriate scale of time to be used is also determined.

• STEP 3 Using the team-provided input, the team facilitator sequentially scales activities, value-added and non-value-added, above and below a drawn line, showing sequence numbers of activities and how much time each activity takes. See example Department Budgeting Process.

• STEP 4 Next, the team checks the chart for completeness, correct activity sequence, and stated cycle times. Non-value-added activities are shaded in as shown in the example.

• STEP 5 Finally, the chart is dated and presented to interested parties for further action.

Example of tool application