Seven Management and Planning Tools

"Value Stream Mapping (VSM):
– Special type of flow chart that uses symbols known as "the language of Lean" to depict and improve the flow of inventory information. ...
Value Stream Mapping ...
Provide optimum value to the customer through a complete value creation process with minimum waste in:
– Design (concept to customer);
– Design (concept to customer);
– Build (order to delivery);
– Sustain (in-use through life cycle to service)." [courses.washington.edu/ ie337/ Value_ Stream_ Mapping.pdf]
This sample Value Stream Map shows how customer value is created in the steps of manufacturing, production control, and shipping processes.
This VSM example was created using the ConceptDraw PRO diagramming and vector drawing software extended with the Value Stream Mapping solution from the Quality area of ConceptDraw Solution Park.

"The RFP presents preliminary requirements for the commodity or service, and may dictate to varying degrees the exact structure and format of the supplier's response. Effective RFPs typically reflect the strategy and short/ long-term business objectives, providing detailed insight upon which suppliers will be able to offer a matching perspective. ...
RFP:
(1) informs suppliers that an organization is looking to procure and encourages them to make their best effort.
(2) requires the company to specify what it proposes to purchase. If the requirements analysis has been prepared properly, it can be incorporated quite easily into the Request document.
(3) alerts suppliers that the selection process is competitive.
(4) allows for wide distribution and response.
(5) ensures that suppliers respond factually to the identified requirements.
(6) is generally expected to follow a structured evaluation and selection procedure, so that an organization can demonstrate impartiality - a crucial factor in public sector procurements." [Request for proposal. Wikipedia]
The project plan timeline diagram example "Request for proposal (RFP)" was created using the ConceptDraw PRO diagramming and vector drawing software extended with the Timeline Diagrams solution from the Management area of ConceptDraw Solution Park.

"Value Stream Map (VSM)
1. A tool used to improve a process by identifying added value and eliminating waste.
2. A process map that follows the value creation process.
A. “strap yourself to the product (or service) and see where you go”
3. A process map with data added.
A. Times: processing, wait, cycle.
B. Quality: number of rejects.
C. Inventory.
D. Resources.
1) Number of people.
2) Space.
3) Distance traveled.
E. Whatever else is useful for analyzing the process." [ocw.mit.edu/ courses/ aeronautics-and-astronautics/ 16-660j-introduction-to-lean-six-sigma-methods-january-iap-2012/ lecture-notes/ MIT16_ 660JIAP12_ 1-6.pdf]
This sample VSM flowchart shows the value stream in a manufacturing, production control and shipping processes.
This value stream mapping diagram example was created using the ConceptDraw PRO diagramming and vector drawing software extended with the Value Stream Mapping solution from the Quality area of ConceptDraw Solution Park.