The application of this study’s value stream mapping method to an instructional
production setting helped to clarify its value in shortening production time and therefore
reducing instructional production costs. Through the study the researcher was able to
identify wastes that existed in an instructional production setting. Once identified, waste
can be removed through continual improvement activities including the modification of
the production process.
The STRIB process at the INEEL was mapped using the value stream mapping
technique adapted from Rother and Shook (1999). This map generated a visual and
textual representation of actual work done by the training analysts within the CPI. This
value stream map was used as a baseline from which a future-state map was drawn. The
future-state map suggested that a reduction in processing time of more than 50% could be
achieved in the STRIB process by adhering to the new process generated.