Analyzing the Value Stream Mapping to Achieve Lean Manufacturing via Line Balancing

Value stream mapping (VSM) visually depicts the flow of materials and information as a product passes through the manufacturing process; this information enables companies to meet customer demand by getting these materials and information for improvement at the right place and at the right time. This paper reviews the existing literature on VSM, describes the concepts and techniques of line balancing, and demonstrates through empirical study how the concepts and techniques of line balancing can help optimize VSM implementation to enhance business performance