eVSM - The easiest way to visualize the value stream

Value Stream Maps

Spaghetti Diagrams
Communication Circles

A3 Reports
 Using the eVSM User Guide

Dear Lean Practitioner,

The eVSM user guide is intended as a summary of eVSM

functions for working with Value Stream Maps, Spaghetti
Diagrams, Communication Circles and A3 Reports.

The user guide has convenient indexing at the back for

toolbar functions, eVSM Icons and keywords.

The eVSM help site at www.evsm.com/help has a learning

path and additional materials that will help you be productive
with the eVSM software.

We very much appreciate any improvement suggestions for

our learning materials and/or software and ask that
suggestions be emailed to us at [email protected]. We look
forward to hearing from you.

Thank You,

eVSM Support
[email protected]

© 2000-2009 GumshoeKI, Inc . All rights reserved

22 September 2009
2 2
 Table Of Contents

eVSM Environment 4
Drawing Value Stream Maps 14

Drawing Spaghetti Diagrams 30

Drawing Communications Circle 34

Creating A3 Reports 38

Using Gadgets to Visualize data 42

Standardized Value Stream Maps 52

Analyzing with eVSM 66

Working With Tables 86

Plotting VSM Charts 90

Managing Improvements 98
Sharing with eVSM 102

Toolbar Button Index 106

Icons Index 108

General Index 112

3 3
 eVSM Environment

Help Movies
These and other short movies on eVSM are available at
www.evsm.com/help

Start Draw

eVSM Pre-requisites and Updates

eVSM requires Visio (2002 or later) and Excel to operate.

eVSM is downloadable and you can check on the latest eVSM
version available at:
www.evsm.com/updates

Starting eVSM

The best way to start a blank value

stream map is to double-click the
Start eVSM eVSM icon on your desktop.

If your Visio security setting is set to anything but low,

messages will come up asking for permission to “Enable
Macros”. You must answer “Yes” to these messages for
eVSM to operate

4 eVSM Environment 4
eVSM Toolbar

...

The eVSM toolbar is located just above the drawing page. If

this is not visible than the eVSM software is not properly
installed or the Visio security setting on your system is
preventing running of the macros that create the toolbar.
For information on each of the buttons, see the “Toolbar
Button Index” at the back of the user guide

eVSM Help Site

eVSM Help

The help button on the toolbar requires an internet connection

and will open up a web browser pointed to the eVSM help site
at www.evsm.com/help
The help site is tested with the IE browser and this is
recommended if there are any browsing problems

eVSM Support
We offer technical support for the latest release of the eVSM
software. Please email us at [email protected]

5 eVSM Environment 5
eVSM Shapes & Stencils

eVSM v4.22 eVSM has a collection of value stream

mapping shapes that appear in eVSM stencils
to the left of the drawing page.

These shapes, behaviors, and corresponding

functions have been designed from the outset
to support the series of lean workbooks from
the Lean Enterprise Institute (www.lean.org) ,
the Lean Enterprise Academy
(www.leanuk.org) and their worldwide network
partners. The primary workbook impacting the
design has been “Learning To See”

As the software usage has become

widespread across multiple industries, the
icon language has been extended to keep
pace with practitioner requests. For Lean
Healthcare, it now supports the “reVIEW”
manual developed by Lean Healthcare West
(www.leanhealthcarewest.com).

eVSM Mfg To make it easy to navigate the

eVSM Service comprehensive set of shapes they have been
eVSM Healthcare organized in family stacks (blue icons in the
stencil) and into the subset stencils below:

6 eVSM Environment 6
Re-opening eVSM Stencils
eVSM stencils must be kept open. If you have “lost” the eVSM
stencils from your drawing file, here are the steps to re-open
them.
In Visio, click:
File > Shapes > Open Stencil…
Navigate to the following folder:
C:\Program Files\GumshoeKI\Visio2002\Setup\Solutions
Select all the stencil files (*.vss) in this folder and then
click the Open button.
Save your Visio file.

Zooming In and Out

CTRL-W (to zoom out to whole page)
CTRL-SHIFT-Drag Select region (Zoom into the selected
region)
Try the Visio menu “View > Pan and Zoom” for another
navigation option with a mini-window
To set up the mouse scroll wheel to zoom, use the Visio
menus: “Tools > Options > General” and check:

Zoom on roll with InteliMouse

Center selection on zoom

7 eVSM Environment 7
Page Resizing
Hold down the CTRL key and move the cursor to the edge of
the page. The cursor will turn into a double-headed arrow.
Just grab the edge and pull to required size.

Avoid the page corners when re-sizing the page. The page
corners allow rotation of the drawing page. However, there is
a Visio bug which can corrupt the drawing file if the page is
rotated.
If you rotate the page accidentally, then use "Edit>Undo" to
recover. If it is too late to Undo, then copy/paste the drawing
content to a new page.

8 eVSM Environment 8
Drag & Drop
Outside
Source

Drag and drop eVSM icons from the

stencil onto the drawing page

Blue icons represent stacks of shapes.

Access the stack by dragging out the
shape and then clicking the right
mouse button
Cross Dock
In_Store Storage
Moment_Of_Truth
Picture Process
Process
Process
Process Cell
Production Control
Rework Process
Shared Process
Warehouse
Snap To Grid
Shapes are designed to be grid-sized. The drawing page has
a grid on it. Use View > Grid to turn grid visibility on. Snap
shapes to grid locations for easy alignment

Resizing Shapes
Avoid resizing shapes whenever possible. Shapes are
designed to fit together and resizing a shape will make “fit”
difficult and create extra work.

Text Editing
Double-click a shape to edit its text

9 eVSM Environment 9
Connecting Shapes - Glue
eVSM shapes have built-in connection points on their
boundaries that allow them to be glued together. Gluing
shapes together has two uses:
It makes modifying the map simpler because moving a
parent shape causes the child shape to move with it
eVSM infers association between shapes by looking at
the parent-child glue connections between shapes

Visio shows a glue connection at the

Process point of gluing with a red box. So
when the arrow head is moved to a
point where Visio is about to glue it
Process to the lower process block, a red box
is temporarily displayed

Similarly for this situation at the point

Process
where you move a data shape to the
Name Value Unit bottom of the activity shape

When a child shape is glued to a

Process
parent and you select the child
shape you will see some red dots on
Name Value Unit its periphery to indicate that it is
glued..

eVSM Glue Check On/Off

Toggle the glue check button in the toolbar for a visual display
of the glue connections

10 eVSM Environment 10
Manipulating Text
Double-click a shape to edit its text. Twice per
week
The Visio Text Block Tool, located
behind the Text Tool in the Visio
Standard toolbar, can be used to move
the text relative to the shape location.
Twice per
week
Text Block Tool

The Text Block Tool displays control

handles around the text belonging to a
shape. These control handles can be
Twice per week
used to position and size the text block

Caution: Be sure to de-select the Text Block Tool when

finished.
All shapes in Visio can have their own text. This includes
eVSM connector arrows.

e c tor
Co nn
n
Te xt o

11 eVSM Environment 11
Copying Shapes

You can select a set of shapes and then use

EDIT > COPY followed by EDIT > PASTE

Another method is to select the set of shapes and then

holding the mouse over the geometry of one of the selected
items use CTRL-Drag to make a copy

Undoing Mistakes
The Visio toolbar has an “undo” button to reverse any
mistakes

Visio Page Names

Rules for Visio drawing page naming:

Page names must start with an alpha character

Page names must be limited to 0-9 and A-Z characters.
Characters such as [!@#$%^&*()|+-?] are not allowed
Page names should be kept as short as possible

12 eVSM Environment 12
Recommended Do’s and Don'ts

DO Use a mouse to be productive with eVSM

DO Glue Everything and use Glue Check button

DO Snap shapes to grid location

DO zoom in fast with CTRL-SHIFT-Drag

DO zoom out fast with CTRL-W

DON’T Resize eVSM Shapes wherever possible

DON’T Close eVSM Stencils

13 eVSM Environment 13
 Drawing Value Stream Maps
Help Movies
These and other short movies on eVSM are available at
www.evsm.com/help
Drawing the Flow Manage Names & Units

Add Map Data Hyperlink Maps

Autofix Function Automove Function

Identifying Customer

Customer
Start the map at the
customer end.

Outside
Source

Identifying Operational Steps

Process Identify the operations in the value

stream and starting at the
customer end.

Use the Right Mouse button if you

need to swap to another process
Operation shape.
Shapes

14 Drawing Value Stream Maps 14

Connecting Operational Steps with Arrows

Drag out, drop and then glue

Process
arrows to the operations or their
data shapes for easy future
modification of the map

Process

Use the Right Mouse button to

Stepped swap to another arrow type (like
Arrows this PUSH arrow)

15 Drawing Value Stream Maps 15

Adding Operational Data
Value stream data which you may later want to use in
calculations, must be represented in eVSM data shapes.
eVSM has the following data shapes.

Long NVU Short NVU Value Non Value

Added Added

Name Value Unit Name Value Unit Value Unit

Value Unit

Data shapes consist of two or three fields. To move or delete

a data shape, you MUST click on the Value field. To edit any
of the fields, just double-click on it. The value field can be
edited directly through double-click. Double-clicking on the
Name or the Unit field will open a pop-up selection list.

Data shapes must be glued

Process
directly, or via other shapes,
Name Name Value Unit to the activity they represent.
Value Unit Name Value Unit

Value Unit
Value Unit

16 Drawing Value Stream Maps 16

Variable Names and Units
To add variable names/units to the right mouse button (RMB)
menus, follow these steps:
1. Click the following button in the eVSM toolbar button to
open the Name & Unit Manager (NUM) dialog.

eVSM Name and Units Manager

3. To add a new unit, click the “New Unit…” button.

4. All variable names must have a default unit. When adding
new variable names, first make sure that the unit you wish
to make the default for the new variable exists in the units
list. Then, click the “New Name…” button and follow
prompts.

17 Drawing Value Stream Maps 17

Adding Additional Data Shapes

Additional data can be added to a

Process
process. Drag & glue new NVU’s
Long CT 20 sec to the bottom of existing NVU’s.
NVU CO 3 min

Data shapes that do not touch the

operation or its data shapes
Process
directly should be associated with
CT 20 sec the operation by dragging the
CO 3 min flying yellow connector and gluing
that to the operation.

x.xx Unit Flying connectors should NOT be

used where shapes are touching

Representing VA & NVA data

VA and NVA shapes
are available to
Process Process construct a timeline
on the map.
Glue these shapes to
Day operational shapes
xx
s with a flying
xx Unit
connector

Where there are several VA/NVA

Value Non Value metrics to be tracked, the Long NVU
Added Added shape should be used instead of the
specific VA, NVA shapes
18 Drawing Value Stream Maps 18
Representing Inventory & Queues

Process Process

Inventory shapes should be placed on the

drawing and the flying yellow connector
used to glue them to an operation.
Inventory
Shapes Use the Right Mouse button to swap to
another inventory shape (like queue, in-
tray etc..)

Representing Inventory Data

Drag out the NVU shape and glue it to the
bottom of the inventory rectangle to
document inventory type and quantity. Use
Short
additional triangles and NVU blocks for
NVU
LH each inventory type.
20 plts
Each inventory item associated with any
one operation MUST have a different name.
Representing Supermarkets and Buffers

Supermarket and Buffer shapes

Supermarket LH work in a similar way to the
20 plts inventory shape. Any data must be
glued to the base of the shape

Short NVU

19 Drawing Value Stream Maps 19

Representing Transport Method and Data
Drag out transport shape and
Process place them on the map. Glue
them to arrows as an option.
Transport
NVU shapes to hold related
Shapes
variables can be attached to
the base of the icons

Use the Right Mouse button to

Finished
swap to another transport type
Goods
like train, helicopter etc..

Representing Transmit Method and Data

Transmit shapes work

in a similar way to
transport shapes and
Transmit
are generally applied
Shapes
to information flow.

20 Drawing Value Stream Maps 20

Frameless Transport & Transmit shapes
Right-click on the transmit (or
transport) shape on the map to
show alternate transmit
methods.
At the bottom of these is a
Transmit By Foot “framing” menu pick that
Shapes Computer
Fax
allows the outer box around
Pager / Radio the shape to be turned on or
Phone
Post
off. When turned off the shape
Print looks as below:
Web Form
_______________
Framing

Using Unit Converters

The Units shape in the stencil is used to
define conversion factors between units in
each family. If a single variable on the map
Units
(like Cycle Time) has data values in different
Converter
units (like Hrs and Mins) then conversion
factors must exist linking these units.
Days Hrs Mins
15 60 60 This is an example of a “time” unit family. In
Hrs Mins Secs
eVSM the first letter of a unit name is
sometime used as its abbreviation so its
important that no two members of the unit
family have the same first character. Note the
use of “PSfts” (instead of “Shfts”) to avoid first
letter conflict with the “Secs” unit

21 Drawing Value Stream Maps 21

Multi-Unit Variable Display
Lets you show data values in a combination of related units.
Available in Long and Short NVU’s shapes only. Example:

Cycle Time 2.753 Hrs Cycle Time 2h 45m 12s

Normal Display Multi-Unit Display

The Multi-Unit Display switch is in the Name Unit Manager:

Multi-Unit
Display switch

Multi-Unit Display is available only for Days Hrs Mins

units for which Units Convertors are 16 60 60

Hrs Mins Secs
provided on the page

22 Drawing Value Stream Maps 22

Multi-Unit Edit
Allows you to enter and edit data values in a combination of
related units. Available in Long and Short NVU’s shapes only.
Steps:

1. Setup Units Convertors for the related units

Days Hrs Mins

16 60 60
Hrs Mins Secs

2. Right-mouse click on the value field of the NVU and

select the “Multi-Unit Edit” command

Cycle Time x.xx Hrs

Enable Flying Connector

Multi Unit Edit

3. Enter values in the Data Entry form

4. See the result in the NVU Cycle Time 2.753 Hrs

23 Drawing Value Stream Maps 23

Automove
Automove makes it easier to insert/remove activities from
large makes. The function consists of two buttons

eVSM Link Activities

eVSM Unlink Activities

When the Link Activities button is clicked, all activity shapes in

each flow line are linked (rigidly locked) to each other. In this
mode, if any activity block is selected and moved, it gets
unlinked from the upstream activity. All the downstream
activities stay linked and move with it.
The Unlink Activities button is used to exit this mode. It is
active when the shapes are in the linked mode.
Steps:
1. Click the eVSM Link Activities button
2. Select and move activity downstream of where space
needs to be created or removed

Move

3. Click the eVSM Unlink Activities button to exit Automove

mode

24 Drawing Value Stream Maps 24

Autofix
Autofix corrects some common problems on maps. To run,
click this toolbar button.

eVSM Autofix

Problems fixed by the Autofix function include:

Removes hidden data shapes. Sometimes when using
copy/paste, multiple copies are created and duplicates
hidden under visible data shapes. Finding and removing
these can be tedious. Autofix automatically deletes such
duplicates
Automatically glues data shapes and arrows based on
proximity

Before After

Works around the Visio glue limitation of 10+ shapes

25 Drawing Value Stream Maps 25

Manipulating Text on Connectors
Text can be added to any connector by double-clicking and
typing.

Text on
Connector

The Visio Text Block Tool can be used to move the text
position along the arrow.

Text Block Tool

Text on
Connector
Text on
Connector

Caution: Be sure to de-select the Text Block Tool when

finished.

26 Drawing Value Stream Maps 26

Creating Drill-Down Maps

eVSM Drill Down

The eVSM Drill Down button in the toolbar can be used to

create a sub-page corresponding to an operation shape on
the map. First pick the operation shape and then click the drill-
down button. A hyperlink is automatically created from the
operational shape to the sub-page

Migrate Maps to eVSM v4

The following button in the toolbar will migrate eVSM v2 and
v3 maps to eVSM v4 format.

eVSM V4 Migration
Once a map is migrated to v4, it cannot be opened in older
releases of eVSM.
If you need to open an eVSM v4 file in, say v3 (or any earlier
version of eVSM), for viewing/printing purposes only, here is a
workaround.
1. Start eVSM and switch VB Macros Off. Click “Tools >
Options > Security”
2. Switch Off this
checkbox

3. Exit Visio and open the eVSM v4 file.

Remember to reverse step 2 above when you wish to use
eVSM v4 again.
27 Drawing Value Stream Maps 27
Drawing a Key of Icons
The eVSM Key Creator tool generates a Key of the icons
used on the current drawing.

Key Creator

Drag out the Key Creator icon and drop it in the space on your
map where you want to display the key.

Note: This automatic function is restricted to eVSM shapes on

the current drawing page. Some eVSM shapes, eg.
datashapes such as long and short NVU’s are intentionally
omitted.

The Key display uses the eVSM Table shape. This allows you
to delete/add columns (see how in the “Working with Tables”
help) in the key and also change the annotation.

Cross Finished Outside Units

Inventory Process Summary Truck Warehouse
Dock Goods Source Converter

28 Drawing Value Stream Maps 28

 This area intentionally left blank

29 Drawing Value Stream Maps 29

 Drawing Spaghetti Diagrams
Help Movies

Spaghetti Diagrams

The Spaghetti Diagram highlights wasted journeys and effort

by visualizing motion between activity centers. The eVSM
Spaghetti diagram function allows you to draw paths on a
floor plan (or any geographic map) and then export a path
report to Excel.

Floor Map

Spaghetti
Spaghetti Path
Place

Spaghetti
Report in Excel

TO COLOR DESCRIPTION DATE TIME DISTANCE

ER Bay 9 Patient assisted in wheelchair 3/3/2007 5:36pm 102
X-ray waiting area patient escorted to X-ray waiting area 3/3/2007 6:20pm 58
X-ray Room 1 Patient to X-ray 3/3/2007 6:32pm 27
ER Bay 9 Patient returned to Bay 9 3/3/2007 6:45pm 62

30 Drawing Spaghetti Diagrams 30

Steps To Create A Spaghetti Diagram
1. Draw or import the floor map. Visio can import most
bitmap formats as well as AutoCAD drawings.
2. Click the Spaghetti Diagram button in the eVSM toolbar.
This will open the eVSM Diagrams stencil.

Spaghetti Diagram

3. Drag out a Spaghetti Scale shape from the eVSM

Diagrams, and stretch it out to exactly fit a known
dimension on the map. The known dimension could be a
map scale if available, or a floor dimension you have
measured. Enter the actual dimension value on the scale
shape.
14

Spaghetti
Scale

4. Define activity centers by dropping and naming a

Spaghetti Place icon on to the diagram for each place.

Spaghetti
Place

31 Drawing Spaghetti Diagrams 31

Steps To Create A Spaghetti Diagram (cont'd.)
6. Use the line tools in the Visio “Drawing” toolbar to draw
the different paths.
Any of the line
drawing tools
can be used

You must ensure that the start and end of a path line is
inside a Spaghetti Place icon. You can set color and line
thickness of the paths using standard Visio formatting.
7. Click the Spaghetti Diagram button again. eVSM will
create a spreadsheet report of the paths.
8. Additional attributes can be added to the path lines via
Visio Custom Properties. Select a path line, and click
View > Custom Properties.
Custom Prop...

FROM Registration
TO ER Bay 9
DISTANCE 102
SEQUENCE 1
DESCRIPTION Patient assisted in wheelchair
DATE 3/3/2007
TIME 5:36pm

The next time the Spaghetti report is generated, the path

attributes will be transferred to the report.

32 Drawing Spaghetti Diagrams 32

 This area intentionally left blank

33 Drawing Spaghetti Diagrams 33

 Drawing Communications Circle
Help Movies

Communications Circle

The Communications Circle allows you to visualize all the

transactions in a given pathway or process.
Example:

PHYSICIAN
ER UNIT PATIENT
CLERK

CHARGE
NURSE VOLUNTEER

NURSE
BILLING

SOCIAL
ADMITTING
SERVICES

Number Of Steps = 14

34 Drawing Communications Circle 34

Steps to Generate a New Communications Circle

1. Follow a pathway or process and record all transactions

in an Excel table in the following format. The first row in
the spreadsheet must contain the column headers as
shown. Save the Excel file anywhere on your machine.

FROM TO
Registration Patient
Registration Nurse
Nurse Patient
Nurse Unit Clerk
Physician Patient

2. In eVSM, click the Communication Circle button in the

eVSM toolbar. This will open the eVSM Diagrams stencil.

Communications Circle

3. Drag out a Communications Circle shape from the

eVSM Diagrams stencil. This will create a blank circle
on your drawing. Adjust position and size the circle as
you like.

35 Drawing Communications Circle 35

Steps to Generate a Communications Circle (Cont'd)

4. Click the “Import Communications From Excel” command

in the right-mouse-button menu of the circle.

Import members from Excel

Import Communications From Excel
Export Members To Excel
Export Communications To Excel
Update Number of Steps

5. Select Excel file and click OK. Note, if you have more
then one worksheet in the Excel file with communications
data, then you will be prompted to select the worksheet to
use.

Editing a Communications Circle

The communications circle may be edited directly in Visio.

You can change, add, or delete circle members. You can
move, add, or delete communication paths. Communication
paths can also be color coded to show different types of
communications, eg. Phone, fax, patient initiated, etc.
After making changes, use the “Update Number of Steps”
command in the right-mouse menu to update the number of
steps.

36 Drawing Communications Circle 36

Importing a Circle Members List
This is useful when the members are known but the
transactions are not. Use the “Import Members from Excel”
command in the right-mouse menu. The Excel data must be
in the following format.
MEMBER Y/N
Registration Y
Patient Y
Nurse Y
Unit Clerk N
Physician Y
The Y/N column is needed to specify members to import.

Communication Path Properties

Custom properties are available on the Circle Path shape
which may be used to capture additional details. To access
these, right-mouse click on a path, then “Shape>Custom
Properties…".
Custom Propert...

SEQUENCE 4
DESCRIPTION Send patient registration details to RN
DATE 3/27/07
TIME 5:06 PM
DISTANCE Unknown
DURATION Unknown
TYPE Value Added
PATHWAY Admission

The “Export Communications to Excel” command in the right

mouse menu of the circle will export all of the above
properties to Excel. The communication path line color is
also transferred to Excel.
37 Drawing Communications Circle 37
 Creating A3 Reports
Help Movies

A3 Reports

eA3 comes with a template (below) of an A3 report and a set

of icons to make it easy to visualize the “Current Condition”
and “Desired State” aspects of the sheet. Click the A3 toolbar
button to create a new report

eA3 Report

first zoom into the appropriate area of the A3 sheet using the
following Visio shortcuts:
CTRL-W (to zoom out to whole page)
CTRL-SHIFT-Drag-Select region (Zoom into the selected
region)
38 Creating A3 Reports 38
Diagramming the Current Condition

No centralized
Erratic OR Priority booking
Overrides
Insurance Impacts

c e
a ct i
Pr When to Hospital
Operate ?

Hospital

A typical “Current Condition” diagram is shown above and

can be drawn very quickly in eA3 with the icons available.
Representing People

Healthcare
People

You can drag and drop a person from the stencil. You can
change the person “role” by clicking the right mouse button
and selecting the role (nurse, doctor, etc..). You can also set
the person’s expression in the same way. People stacks are
available for mfg, services and healthcare

39 Creating A3 Reports 39
Representing Departments

You can create an iconic

representation of a department
Icon and glue an icon to its center.
Of
Place Pharmacy You can also type in the name

The square frame of the dept

icon can be hidden with the right
mouse “framing” menu for a
simpler look
Healthcare Pharmacy
Depts
Glue point for
y area icon is
ac
a rm under the apex
Ph
High Roof of the building.
Place

Healthcare
Depts
Glue point for
area icon is at
Low Roof Pharmacy the eaves on
Place the left of the
building

Healthcare
Depts
40 Creating A3 Reports 40
Problems, Solutions and Callouts
Typically used to identify
Problem problems
Kaizen
Starburst

Typically used to identify

Solution solutions or positive attributes
Kaizen of the “Desired State”
Cloud

Text Typically used to denote

thoughts or verbal
Callout communication
Icon Stacks

Healthcare Mfg Service Mfg Service

People People People Depts Depts

Healthcare Healthcare Transmit Transport

Items Depts Shapes Shapes

Tables and Gadgets on A3 Reports

See the “Draw” and “Gadgets” sections to see how these
items can be used on an eA3 sheet

41 Creating A3 Reports 41
 Using Gadgets to Visualize data
Any data on the map can be linked to visual gadgets that
change in size and color with change in the data. Some
gadget types are shown below:

Bar Slider Arc

Sq. Area Tr. Area Line Tk Curve Tk
Height Percent Angle
Gadget Gadget Gadget Gadget
Gadget Gadget Gadget

Steps to Create Gadgets

Each gadget has exactly one size parameter that can be tied
to a data value on the map. Here’s a typical means to apply
and manipulate gadgets..
Process
1. Drag out the gadget and
position it near the data Cycle Time 2 Mins
value with which it will be
associated (In this case
the “Cycle Time”)
Bar
Height
Gadget

42 Using Gadgets to Visualize data 42

Steps to Create Gadgets (Cont'd)
2. This system shape will be automatically dropped
Gadget
on the page the first time a gadget is used. If Data

you copy a map to a new page make sure you

also copy this shape because it is used to hold
gadget data for the map

Drag and glue the gadgets Yellow

Flying Connector to the side of the Process
NVU data shape (Avoid gluing to the
top or bottom of the data shape). Cycle Time 2 Mins

Click on the gadget and use the

“Activate Gadget” option on the right
mouse button to create a new gadget
collection. The collection name will be
“Bar_Cycle Time”. The name is made
from the Gadget Type and the Data
name

3. A gadget can only belong to

Process
one collection. Each collection
can only have a single type Cycle Time 2 Mins
(eg. “Bar”) of gadget

You can change gadget scale

factors and color code them by
modifying the properties of the
associated gadget collection

43 Using Gadgets to Visualize data 43

Steps to Create Gadgets (Cont'd)
4. You can easily create additional gadgets tied to other
instances of the same data on the map. Just click on the
gadget and use the right mouse button to select “Create
Gadgets By Example” to create the gadget for Process B
below
Process A Process B

Cycle Time 2 Mins Cycle Time 2 Mins

5. Note that the new gadget is automatically positioned,

scaled and put into the same “Bar_Cycle Time” collection.
If you do not wish to have new gadgets created for the
whole map than select the original gadget, then sub-select
an area of the map before using the “Create Gadgets By
Example” menu

Process A Process B

Cycle Time 2 Mins Cycle Time 3 Mins

44 Using Gadgets to Visualize data 44

Steps to Create Gadgets (cont'd)
6. you can make all the gadgets update with change in the
associated data values by clicking the “Update Gadgets”
button in the toolbar
eVSM Update Gadgets

Process A Process B

Cycle Time 2 Mins Cycle Time 2.5 Mins

The diagram shows the impact of change in the data

values for the cycle time.
7. If a gadget fails to update its usually because it is unglued
from data or has not yet been activated. Problem gadgets
can be highlighted using the “Gadgets Check On/Off”
button on the toolbar.
eVSM Gadgets Check On/Off
8. To modify a gadgets scale factor or to color code it you
need to change the properties of its associated collection.
Right mouse click on the gadget and select “Manage
Gadget Collections”
9. Gadget Collections can also be accessed via the toolbar
“Manage Gadgets” button
eVSM Manage Gadget Collections
45 Using Gadgets to Visualize data 45
Managing Gadget Collections
To modify a gadgets scale factor or to color code it
you need to change the properties of its associated
collection. Right mouse click on the gadget and
select “Manage Gadget Collections”.
Gadget Collections can also be accessed via the
toolbar button

eVSM Manage Gadget Collections

Select a To transfer gadgets into a collection, first

collection from pre-select them, then select the target
the list and click collection from the list and click this button.
this button to
A gadget can only belong to one collection
select/highlight
so it is removed from its existing collection
any gadgets on
upon transfer
the map that
belong to it A gadget can only be transferred to a
collection that has the right gadget type
(eg. “Bar”)
46 Using Gadgets to Visualize data 46
Modifying and Color-Coding Gadgets

You can modify To hide or show You can color

the scale factor for gadgets in a code the gadget
a collection that collection, first fill and font
controls gadget select the colors based on
size in relation to collection from a the value of the
data value. Use list and then data to which
the apply button to click this button. the gadget is
see the new glued. You can
Note that the
gadget sizes on also simply
collection list
the map before “inherit” the color
has a column
exiting the form. from the data
indicating
shape or assign
visibility status
a color to a
gadget manually

47 Using Gadgets to Visualize data 47

Example: Cycle Time vs Takt Time

Cycle Time Takt Time

Steps to draw above example:

1. First make sure that the data you wish to visualize with
gadgets actually exists in eVSM data shapes
2. Drag out a Bar Height Gadget, place it below the first
activity, and glue it’s flying connector to the Cycle Time
NVU for the first activity
3. Set the bar’s fill color (blue in above example) and adjust
the bar width if you like

48 Using Gadgets to Visualize data 48

Example: Cycle Time vs Takt Time (cont’d)
4. Click the Create Gadgets By Activate Gadget
Create Gadgets By Example
Example in the bar’s right mouse Show Gadget Collection
button menu Manage Gadget Collections

5. Drop a new Bar Height Gadget and attach it’s flying

connector to the NVU containing the Takt time
6. Align the new gadget with the first gadget collection, and
adjust it’s width to overlap the whole first collection. In
above example, color is set to yellow
7. Activate the new gadget with the Activate Gadget
command in the right mouse menus

8. Open the Manage Gadget Collections form, and make the

gadget scales for both collections the same via the
Modify… button

49 Using Gadgets to Visualize data 49

Gadgets – Key Points
1. Gadgets have a single size parameter that will scale with
the data value to which a gadget is glued via the flying
yellow connector
2. Gadgets are typically glued to NVU, VA or NVA shapes.
Where gadgets in a collection are glued to data shapes
with different units, units converters are needed on the
map to compute the correct scale factors
3. Gadgets have to belong to a collection. They can be put in
a collection using the Activate Gadget command or by
transferring them into a collection via the Manage
Gadgets form.
4. Gadget scale factors and color coding can be controlled
via the Manage Gadgets form
5. An easy way to create a gadget “set” after creating a first
gadget is to use the Create Gadgets By Example right
mouse button menu
6. The Visible switch on the Manage Gadgets form is very
useful in showing different metrics on the map in a
presentation environment
7. See the “Examples” section on the eVSM help site
(www.evsm.com/help) for usage examples of the different
gadget types
8. A starter set of gadgets is available with eVSM. Additional
gadgets can be requested by contacting
[email protected]

50 Using Gadgets to Visualize data 50

 This area intentionally left blank

51 Using Gadgets to Visualize data 51

 Standardized Value Stream Maps
Help Movies
These and other short movies on eVSM are available at
www.evsm.com/help

Manage Names & Units Create Macro Shapes

Standardization Components
eVSM has built-in functions to allow your organization to
easily draw value stream maps using a standard that you
define. With standardization, maps can be drawn and
analyzed faster and can be understood by a wider group. The
standard comprises of the following:
Standard names for variables and units
A Standard set of Macro Shapes (combinations of shapes)
that can make drawing maps faster
Blank Starter Maps to ensure consistency and minimize
effort in starting new maps
Company specific set of icons (eg. Logo, name block, etc.)
to use in drawing the maps

52 Standardized Value Stream Maps 52

Creating a New Standards (Visio Stencil) File
Components of standardization are delivered in a Visio Stencil
file. To create a new stencil file, click: File > Shapes > New
Stencil
This will open a new blank stencil. The stencil header bar
contains a right mouse button menu which allows you to
name the stencil (via the Properties command) and to save
it. It is a good idea to include a version number in the stencil
name. The stencil file should be saved in the C:/Program
Files/eVSMStandards folder. If this folder does not already
exist on your machine, then create it.
Copy/paste or drop shapes on the stencil to populate it. Name
the icon and edit it’s bitmap with the right-mouse menus Edit
Master > Edit Icon Image. Here is an example of standards
file content
Corporate New Drawing Macro
Logo Frame Shapes

Standard Standard Variable

Charts and Unit Names

53 Standardized Value Stream Maps 53

Opening a Standards Stencil File
To open a standards stencil file from a drawing, click
File > Shapes > Open Stencil...
Then navigate to the folder below and select the *.vss file
C:/Program Files/eVSMStandards
Note: A Visio drawing file “remembers” which stencil files
were open when you last saved it.
If you want new drawings to start with the standards stencil
already open, then follow these steps:
1. Start a new eVSM drawing by clicking the Start eVSM
icon on the Desktop
2. Open the standards stencil via “Files >Shapes >Open
Stencil…”
3. Click File > Save As…, change “Save as type” to
“Template (*.vst)”, and save the file in the C:/Program
Files/eVSMStandards folder.
4. Optionally, you can copy the saved *.vst file and paste a
shortcut for it on the Desktop and/or the Windows Start
menus. When the *.vst file or the shortcut is clicked, it will
start a new eVSM map with the standards file

54 Standardized Value Stream Maps 54

Managing Names & Units
The Name & Unit Manager (NUM) provides a simple way of
managing the names and units on a map via this toolbar
button.

eVSM Name and Units Manager

The purpose of this management environment is:

1. Provide a means to type in a name only once and then
use it consistently through out the map
2. Provide a means to associate a default unit with a name
so that when a name is selected, the unit is automatically
set.
3. Provide a means of creating a starter set of names and
units for different application areas such as
manufacturing, healthcare, etc. This will allow a company
to create standard variable sets and deploy them
The NUM function does not allow editing of names and units
directly in the data shapes. New names must first be added to
the NUM form. Then they can be accessed via right mouse
button menus on the following data shapes.

Name Value Unit Name x.xx Unit x.xx Unit Hrs

60.00
Long NVU x.xx Unit Value Added Non Value Mins
Added
Short NVU Units
Converter

55 Standardized Value Stream Maps 55

Managing Names & Units (Cont’d)
The NUM form is divided in three parts; Sets, Units, and
Names. Names and units visible in this dialog box represent
the Current Set. Only the current set names and units are
available on the right mouse button menus of datasets.

Saved Current Add New

Sets Set Units Units

Current Current Set

Set Names Names

56 Standardized Value Stream Maps 56

Managing Names & Units (Cont’d)
Each name has a default unit. If a new name requires a new
unit, then the new unit must be created first.
The names and units seen in the NUM form are Name
Unit
available on the current page only and are stored Data
in the NUM shape.
The NUM shape can be copied to other pages or shared with
team members via a stencil.

NVU display options are available in the New Name and the
Modify Name forms.

Cycle Time 22 Secs

Normal Display

Takt Time 27s

Multi-Unit Display

Operators 3 Staff

Short Display

Optional description
for variable name

57 Standardized Value Stream Maps 57

Name & Unit Sets
Sets are used to store collections of names and units.
The whole current set can be saved as a new saved set.
However, when a saved set is loaded into the current set, it
does not replace the current set, but instead, adds to it.

Current Set
Save To Set...

Saved Sets
eVSM Manufacturing
eVSM Healthcare
eVSM Services
MyNameUnitSet
Export Set...

Load From Set... Excel

Tag Operation VA NVA Data Data Data Data

non value added

value added

rework (%)
cycle time

yield (%)
distance
secs days secs ft % %

Import Set...
A010 Build xx 22.00 5.00 96.00
A020 Hand Cart 135.00
A030 Pack xx xx 22.00 2.00 96.00

Saved sets can be imported/exported to Excel with the Import

Sets.. and Export Set.. buttons.
To create your own set, just edit the current set so it contains
only items you want. Then save this as a new set with the
Save To Set button.

58 Standardized Value Stream Maps 58

Name & Unit Sets (Cont’d)
You can also create a new set in Excel and then import it with
the Import Set.. button.

Saved
Sets

The saved set can be used on other drawings and files by

Exporting it to Excel and them importing the Excel file into
your target drawing.
Name
Names, units, and sets are specific to each page Unit
Data
and are stored in the Name Unit Manager (NUM)
icon similar to this.
You can copy the saved sets to other eVSM pages or files by
copy/pasting the NUM icon. If the target page already
contains an NUM icon, then the sets will be added to those
already on that page. Sets of the same name will be over-
written.
The NUM icon can also be shared with a company or team
standardization stencil.
You can edit the standardized list of names and units either
by export/import to Excel or via the Modify Sets… button.

59 Standardized Value Stream Maps 59

eVSM Macro Maker
eVSM Macro Maker allows you to create macro shapes.
Macro shapes are made up of collections of commonly used
shapes. Macro shapes can really speed up drawing of maps.
The eVSM Macro Maker button is in the eVSM toolbar and
replaces the “Macro Maker” shape which was in earlier
versions of eVSM.

eVSM Macro Maker

Subsequent clicks of the Macro

The first time the Macro Maker Maker button, creates (or
button is clicked, eVSM opens a replaces) a macro of shapes
blank Macro Maker stencil currently selected on the map

The Macro Maker stencil Only one macro at a time can

is a temporary workspace be worked in the Macro Maker
used to create, test, and stencil. Once the macro is
update macro shapes ready, you move it to the
desired permanent stencil

60 Standardized Value Stream Maps 60

Steps to Create a New Macro Shape
1. Click the eVSM Macro Maker button to open the Macro
Maker stencil.
2. Select the shapes on the drawing page which you wish to
include in the new macro.
3. Click the eVSM Macro Maker button. This will create a
new icon in the Macro Maker stencil.
4. Name the icon in the Macro Maker stencil.
5. Edit the icon image if necessary via the icon right-mouse-
button menus (“Edit Master > Edit Icon Image”).
6. Test the macro by dragging and dropping it in a map.
7. If needed, make any changes that are required and
repeat steps 2 to 6.
8. Once your macro shape is ready, move it to your
permanent stencil.

61 Standardized Value Stream Maps 61

Steps to Edit an Existing Macro Shape
1. If the eVSM Macro Maker stencil is not opened, press
eVSM Macro Maker button on the toolbar
2. Drag the macro shape you want to edit into the eVSM
Macro Maker stencil
3. Drag and drop your macro shape from eVSM Macro
Maker stencil onto the Visio drawing page
4. Make desired changes on the drawing page

5. Select the shapes on the drawing page and click the

eVSM Macro Maker button on the toolbar. This will
update the macro in the stencil
6. Test the updated macro by dragging and dropping it onto
a map
7. If needed, repeat steps 4 and 5
8. Once your macro shape is ready, move it to your
permanent stencil. Remember to delete any older
versions in the stencil first.

62 Standardized Value Stream Maps 62

eVSM Macro Maker Do’s and Don’ts
DO use macro shapes to drop common shape
collections on maps
DO use eVSM Macro Maker button on toolbar to
initialize eVSM Macro Maker stencil

DO select shapes then select eVSM Macro Maker

button on toolbar to make macro shape

DON’T select the shapes and then drag/drop them into

eVSM Macro Maker stencil

DON’T place more than one icon within eVSM Macro

Maker stencil

DO delete macro shape from your stencil before you

drop the edited macro shape back into your stencil

63 Standardized Value Stream Maps 63

Delivery of Standardized Components
The team leader creating the company standard essentially
creates a collection of files which need to be copied to the
following folder on each team member’s machine.
C:/Program Files/eVSMStandards
Example files:
acme.vss - standards file (Visio stencil format)
acme.vst - new drawing startup file
readme.txt - can include version number, history,
any special instructions, etc.
A shortcut on the Desktop (or the Start menus) pointing to the
acme.vst file is useful for quick access to the standards.
The files can be delivered with manual means such as Email,
CD, etc. For wider distribution, a setup.exe may be created to
automatically install the files in the correct location and create
a shortcut. One way of creating a setup.exe is shown at
www.evsm.com/v4/selfext

64 Standardized Value Stream Maps 64

Standards Update Process
Steps to update and deploy the new standards:
1. Update Standards Files – Team leader updates one or
more files.
2. Increment Version Number - in the stencil header bar.
Also update history in the readme.txt file
3. Send to Team – Rebuild installation kit, update
installation instructions, Email or upload to server
4. Install on Team Machines – Verify update is not already
installed. Exit Visio and install new version
The new standard is ready for use on new maps.
If a previously created map needs to be updated, use the
Compare to Sets.. function in the NUM dialog. This will
generate a report (in Excel format) of all names and units
NOT found in the new standard.

The Load buttons will scan the current map or document for
any names/units which do not exist in the current set and add
them to the current set.

65 Standardized Value Stream Maps 65

 Analyzing with eVSM
Help Movies
These and other short movies on eVSM are available at
www.evsm.com/help

Transfer to Excel Equation Manager

Check Glue
Formula Wizard
Connections

Working with Units Fast Update

Multi-lane Processes Calculations in Excel

The eVSM Calculator

Visio Excel
Tag Operation VA NVA Data Data Data Data
A10 A20 A30
non value added
value added

rework (%)

Build Pack
cycle time

yield (%)
distance

Distance
Cycle Time 22 Secs 135 ft Cycle Time 22 Secs
Yield (%) 96 % Yield (%) 96 %
Rework (%) 5 % Rework (%) 2 %
eVSM secs days secs ft % %

Calculator A010 Build xx 22.00 5.00 96.00

xx Days A020 Hand Cart 135.00
xx Secs xx Secs A030 Pack xx xx 22.00 2.00 96.00

66 Analyzing with eVSM 66

The eVSM Calculator (Cont'd)
The eVSM Calculator button in the toolbar provides bi-
directional transfer of information between the map and a
spreadsheet. When the button is clicked for the first time for a
map, eVSM automatically creates a new Excel file and puts it
in the same folder the Visio file is saved in. The function only
operates on the current map page

Operation Tags
The Operation Tag shape is used to specify
which activities get synchronized with
Excel. The tag is glued to any glue-point on
Operation
Tag
the activity shape.

As new tags are dropped on the map, their

A10 number will increment automatically. The
Process
numbering sequence can be controlled via
the eVSM Tag Number button.

eVSM Tag Number

Tag numbers can also be named manually. However, the
name must be unique and must be in the following format.

One Followed by up
A123 to three numeric
alphabetic
character values

Each tagged shape will generate a row in the spreadsheet.

Any data associated to that shape (via gluing) will appear in
that row. Excel rows are alphabetically sorted by tag number.
67 Analyzing with eVSM 67
Excel Rowmaker Shapes
Only shapes with a grey corner in the stencil can be tagged.
These are called Excel rowmaker shapes since each of these
creates it’s own row in the spreadsheet. Row shape
examples:

Operation Transport Outside Table Transmit

Shapes Shapes Source Shapes

Common Calculator Problems

The eVSM Calculator has some requirements. If these are
violated, the calculator will stop, display an error message,
and in some cases, highlight the problem area on the map
with a red circle.

Missing Data: Data shapes which are not properly

associated to rowmaker shapes (via gluing) will get missed in
the data transfer. The following button in the toolbar highlights
any data shapes which will be missed.

eVSM Excel Check On/Off

Missing Units Converter: If a variable is used with more

then one unit, eg. Cycle time in minutes and seconds, then a
units conversion factor must be provided. See the “Using
Units Converter” section on how the Units Converter shape is
used to specify the conversion factor.

68 Analyzing with eVSM 68

Common Calculator Problems (Cont'd)
Duplicate or Un-glued Tags: Each operation tag on the map
must have a unique value and must be glued to a valid row
shape.

Overlapping Data Shapes: Overlapping data shapes where

some are hidden behind other is not allowed.

Duplicate Data Shapes: Each data shape with in a row

shape collection must have a unique variable name.

Grouped Shapes: eVSM Shapes should not be grouped. The

Calculator will abort if grouped shapes are found.

Data in Excel Data columns sorted by

variable name

Tag Operation VA NVA Data Data Data Data

non value added
value added

rework (%)
cycle time

yield (%)
distance

One row per

Rowmaker Shape
secs days secs ft % %

A010 Build xx 22.00 5.00 96.00

A020 Hand Cart 135.00
A030 Pack xx xx 22.00 2.00 96.00

Rows sorted
by Operation
Tag number All items in a column
have same units

69 Analyzing with eVSM 69

Calculations in Excel
Equations may be entered in the spreadsheet cells in which
data shapes are represented. Steps:
3
Click the Enter button

2
Type “=” followed by
an equation
1
Select Cell

The next time the Calculator is run, the result of the equation
will be displayed in the appropriate data shape on the map.
The calculated value will be color coded red to show it is
controlled by Excel.

70 Analyzing with eVSM 70

Excel and Visio File Naming

eVSM Calculator

Map.vsd Map.xls

The Excel file name is copied from the Visio filename. The
Excel file is stored in the same folder as the Visio file. Map
page names in Visio correspond to worksheet page names in
Excel.

Unit conversion variables in Excel are also scoped by the

page name.

eVSM relies greatly on the correspondence in names. Map

names should only be changed using the “Model Copy”
function

Fast Update

eVSM Fast Update

The Fast Update button in the toolbar allows spreadsheet

update 10x faster than running the eVSM calculator. It is
active if changes after a calculator run are limited to formulas
and data values only.

The button is grayed out if it is inactive. It can be activated by

clicking the eVSM calculator button in the toolbar
71 Analyzing with eVSM 71
eVSM Equation Manager
All eVSM calculations are done via an integrated Excel
spreadsheet. The spreadsheet is created automatically when
the “eVSM Calculator” function is invoked. Results from
calculations in the spreadsheet are automatically displayed on
the map. eVSM supports two types of equations to perform
the calculations:
1. Direct Equations – these are formulas entered directly into
cells in Excel
2. Managed Equations – equations managed by eVSM and
automatically inserted as formulas in Excel
This section shows the Managed Equations capability in
eVSM.
Managed equations are created in Visio and stored Name
in the NUM shape. When the eVSM Calculator is Unit
Data
run, they generate direct equations in Excel.
Visio Excel
Tag Operation VA NVA Data Data Data Data
non value added

A10 A20 A30

value added

Build Pack rework (%)

cycle time

eVSM
yield (%)
distance

Distance
Cycle Time 22 Secs 135 ft Cycle Time 22 Secs
Yield (%) 96 % Yield (%) 96 % Calcula =($AE$18)*100/(($AF$18)*1440)
secs days secs ft % %
Rework (%) 5 % Rework (%) 2 %
tor A010 Build xx 22.00 5.00 96.00
xx Days A020 Hand Cart 135.00
xx Secs xx Secs A030 Pack xx xx 22.00 2.00 96.00

Managed equations Direct equations in

created and stored Excel
in Visio

72 Analyzing with eVSM 72

eVSM Equation Manager (Cont’d)
The Manage Equations form is accessed through the Name
and Unit Manager

eVSM Name and Units Manager

List of Managed
Equations

On/Off switch controls

whether or not equation
will be applied when
Calculator is run

73 Analyzing with eVSM 73

Creating Managed Equations
In this example, we will set up a managed equation to
calculate the non value added (NVA) times associated with
inventory and daily demand. The equation is:

Inventory (Units)
Non Value Added (Days) =
Daily Demand (Units/Day)

Our goal is to use a single equation for the variable “Non

Value Added” that is applied everywhere on the map where
this variable exists. We will assume two key rules of the
equation manager:
There is only one equation for each target variable name
(left hand side of the equation)
An equation is either applied to the whole map (when it is
ON), or not applied at all (when it is OFF)

Steps
1. Click the New Eqn.. button

74 Analyzing with eVSM 74

Steps (Cont’d)
2. Enter a name and description
(optional) for equation

3. Select the variable name to calculate and

it’s corresponding units. This represents the
left hand side (LHS) of the equation

4. Insert variable for the right hand

side (RHS) of the equation

75 Analyzing with eVSM 75

Steps (Cont’d)
5. Select “Parts” for 6. Specify action to take
variable name and where variable is not found
units on map

7. Select the ST option. This specifies how data will

get get selected from map. The selection is based on
Operation Tag and explained further in the following
pages.

8. Click OK to return to previous form

76 Analyzing with eVSM 76

Steps (Cont’d)

9. Type “/” for the divide sign

10. Insert the next variable for the RHS. Here is the
resulting equation:
ST(Parts,Units,0,APPLY)/UV(Daily Demand,Units,0,SKIP)

To edit variables in the equation, place the editing cursor

on the variable and click the Modify Variable.. Button
11. To convert the Managed Equation into Direct
Equations, click the Calculator button

77 Analyzing with eVSM 77

Equation Manager Variables Options
Unique Variable On Map (UV) – Can be used when a
variable occurs only once on the map, so there is no need to
specify the operation tag id for it.
Same as Target Tag (ST) – Used to select the RHS variable
from the same operation tag as the LHS variable.
Named Tag (NT) – Allows you to provide a specific tag id.
Should be used sparingly because of dependency on fixed
tag id.
All Tags (ATS) - Selects the RHS variable from every tag on
map where it exists and makes a list to put in the Excel
function. Typical usage: sum all VA times.
Downstream Tags (DTS) - Selects RHS variable from the
next alphabetically sorted tag from the current LHS tag.
Typical usage: cumulative calculations starting downstream
and moving upstream such as Downstream Yield(%).
Upstream Tags (UTS) - Selects RHS variable from the prior
alphabetically sorted tag from the current LHS tag. Typical
usage: cumulative time or cost calculations.
Range of Tags (RTS) - Selects RHS variable from all tags
within the range provided. Typical usage: sum all times for the
A series tags in a swimlane chart.
List of Tags (LTS) - Selects RHS variable from all tags
supplied in a list

78 Analyzing with eVSM 78

Block Managed Equations
Each target variable (left hand side of equation) can be
driven by only one managed equation. When the
Calculator is run, the managed equation will be applied to
every instance of the target variable. Sometimes, you
may want to block the managed equation from being
applied to some instances of the target variable. This can
be done with the Block Managed Equation shape.

Block Mng Yield x.xx %

Equation

x.xx Mins

Simply glue the Block Manage Equation shape to any

data shape which you want omitted from the managed
equations calculation.
Note: If the Block Managed Equation shape is attached
to a data shape AFTER it has already been calculated,
then you must manually delete it’s direct equation in
Excel before the next Calculator run, otherwise the OLD
equation will remain in the spreadsheet.

79 Analyzing with eVSM 79

Formula Wizard

eVSM Formula Wizard

The “Formula Wizard” button in the toolbar allows an

alternative method of creating of spreadsheet formulas by
directly picking items on the map. It also allows
comprehension of these formulas in eVSM terms.

The function was created to to leverage the practitioners

familiarity with location of data values on the map as opposed
to understanding their location on the spreadsheet. It also
shows contributions to a formula by highlighting the data
shapes.

The formula wizard is only active immediately after a “eVSM

Calculator” run. It is grayed out when inactive.

Using the Formula Wizard to create Excel eqn’s

In the example below, we are going to set VA=Cycle Time
for the A10 activity

Process

Cycle Time 22 Secs

xx Unit

1. First, pick the target shape representing the VA time

80 Analyzing with eVSM 80
Using the Formula Wizard (Cont'd.)
2. Now click the Formula Wizard button in the toolbar

D5=

3. The formula wizard text window shows the Excel cell

corresponding to the target shape (VA) that was selected

D5=

4. Pick the Insert Map Variable button to be able to pick

data on the drawing for the right side of the formula.
81 Analyzing with eVSM 81
Using the Formula Wizard (Cont'd.)
5. Pick the Cycle Time
Process
NVU to create the right
hand side of the formula Cycle Time 22 Secs

A BLUE border on a shape represents the

Source (Right hand side of the formula)
A GREEN border on a shape represents xx Unit

the Target (Left hand side of the formula)

D5=E5

6. Here is the resulting formula. Click Apply or OK to send it

to the spreadsheet

7. If the formula needs units converters than they are

available by picking the Show Units button on the form.

Remember : The formula behaves exactly as if you typed

it into the Excel spreadsheet directly. So the units
corresponding to each data shape are those that the data
column has in Excel
82 Analyzing with eVSM 82
Using the Formula Wizard (Cont'd.)

9. The Formula Details window shows the same formula in a

more readable language. This is useful for presentation.
Note, formulas cannot be edited in this window

D5=E5

10. Use the summation function to pick a value to be

summed across the map. For example, if you need the
sum of the VA times, just click the summation button, then
select any one VA time shape on the map. eVSM will
automatically find all the VA time shapes.
11. If the Formula Wizard Icon in grayed out it is because the
spreadsheet needs to be updated first. Do this by running
the eVSM calculator.
83 Analyzing with eVSM 83
Numeric Formatting and Cell Fill Color
Raw data values are input in Visio and Formulae are input in
Excel. Results from Excel calculations are redisplayed on the
map in Visio.

The results of formula-based values are shown in Red in Visio

and Excel to distinguish them from Raw data typed into Visio

Number formats set in Excel for formula-based cells are

inherited by Visio shapes. Colors of cells in Excel are
inherited by Visio shapes. Cell colors can be set directly or by
using Excels conditional formatting capability

Data Ranges
Data ranges (eg. Cycle time = 5-12 Secs) must be entered in
separate data shapes as shown below.

Build Build

Min Cycle
Cycle Time 5-12 Secs 5 Secs
Time
Max Cycle
12 Secs
Time

Model Copy
eVSM Model Copy
The Model Copy button in the toolbar allows the map and
associated spreadsheet to be copied to a new page in the
same Visio file. Very useful in copying an existing map with
calculations and then making modifications for “what-if”
studies or Future state possibilities.
84 Analyzing with eVSM 84
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85 Analyzing with eVSM 85

 Working With Tables
Help Movies
These and other short movies on eVSM are available at
www.evsm.com/help

Draw Tables Draw Swimlane Charts

Purpose

The eVSM Table shape was introduced to allow easy creation

of box-score tables on the map

Starter Table

This is a simple starter table that can be further

customized Select Table
Table View Row and Column Size
Adjusters
Adjust Table
Clone Row Below
Clone Row Above
Delete Row
Use as Standard Row Height
Clone Column on Right
Clone Column on Left
Delete Column
Use as Standard Column Width

A right mouse click on any of the table cells brings up a

table modification menu (above) allowing for row / column
addition and modification

86 Working With Tables 86

Resizing Rows and Columns
Picking the “Select Table” right
mouse menu (above) highlights
the yellow diamond cell size
controls. Select the Right Mouse
Button and the “Adjust Table”
option AFTER these controls have
Editing Text been moved to their new positions

Double-Click on a table cell to change its text

Moving the Table
To move the table to a new position on the map, select a cell
and then use the right mouse menu “Select Table”. Now just
drag the table to the new location
Swim Lane Table
Lane A

Swimla
ne
Lane B

This table allows swim lanes to be added and deleted using

the standard table functions. Its important that this be used
instead of the swim lanes tables provided by native Visio
because they the latter have undesirable side effects for
eVSM shapes
87 Working With Tables 87
Tables and Spreadsheets

You can transfer table cell data to the spreadsheet with the
“eVSM Calculator button

eVSM Calculator

To transfer the data the table has be first tagged.

Operation
Tag

A10

Current State Future State

Lead Time 23 days 2 days

Capacity 1057 2000

Each table creates its own worksheet page in the Excel

Workbook. If the page name is “CS” and the tag is “A10” then
the worksheet in Excel will be called “CS_A10”

If formulas are created in the cells in the spreadsheet, the

results of those formulas will appear in the table when the
eVSM Calculator button is next clicked

88 Working With Tables 88

 This area intentionally left blank

89 Working With Tables 89

 Plotting VSM Charts
Help Movies
These and other short movies on eVSM are available at
www.evsm.com/help

XY Charts Milestone Charts

Cumulative Bar Charts

XY Charts

Any numeric data available for analysis in eVSM can be

plotted on a chart such as this.

Cycle Time - Takt Time Chart

80
70
60
50
Secs

ACME Scissors
B20
40
Current State Chart

Plant Summary

No of Shifts
30 Maker

2.00 Shifts

20
per Day
No of Work
5.00 Days
Days per Wk
Production Hrs

Takt Time
15.00 Hrs
per Day

10
Defects 500.00 ppm

Raw Materials 62.50 Hrs

Cycle Time
Finished
Wks Days Shifts Hrs Mins 4.17 Hrs
Goods

0
Work in
5 2 7.5 60 60 86.25 Hrs
Progress
Days Shifts Hrs Mins Secs Takt Time 67 Secs

A010 A020 A030 A040 A050

Production
Daily
Control
Weekly Order
Forecast 30 Days
MRP A70
Daily
l

st
es

Cross Dock
ril

ATLAS
pe

bl

Te

Warehouse
D
dl

m
ar
an

Daily Demand 18000 Pairs

se
Sh
H

Weekly Schedule
As
d
ol

Daily Ship Schedule

Frequency Frequency
M

Per Per
1 1
Week Week

A10 A20 A30 A40 A50 A60

Mold Handles Sharpen Drill Assemble Test Ship

Scissors Cycle Time 53 Secs Scissors Cycle Time 75 Secs Scissors Cycle Time 20 Secs Scissors Cycle Time 30 Secs Scissors Cycle Time 10 Secs Scissors Defects 500 ppm
Changeover Changeover
75000 Pairs 2 Hrs 38500 Pairs 15 Hrs 27000 Pairs Operators 1 Staff 31000 Pairs Operators 1 Staff 7000 Pairs Operators 1 Staff 5000 Pairs
Time Time
Operators 2 Staff Operators 1 Staff Batch Size 50 Pairs Batch Size 50 Pairs Batch Size 50 Pairs

Batch Size 50 Pairs Batch Size 50 Pairs B10

Summary
Production
4.17 Days 2.14 Days 1.50 Days 1.72 Days 0.39 Days 0.28 Days Lead Time
10.19 Days
Processing
130.00 Secs 75.00 Secs 20.00 Secs 30.00 Secs 10.00 Secs Time
265.00 Secs

90 Plotting VSM Charts 90

XY Charts (Cont’d)
Before creating a chart, you must ensure that the data to be
plotted is:
- Contained in eVSM data shapes
- The data shapes are glued to the parent rowmaker shapes
- Rowmaker shapes are tagged with Operation Tags
Hint: Use the Glue Check and Excel Check buttons in the
eVSM toolbar to verify,

Steps to Plot XY Charts

1. Drag out the Chart icon from the stencil, place it anywhere
on the map.

XY Chart

XY
Chart

Edit Chart Data

Plot Chart
Create Spreadsheet

Right-mouse click on the shape and select the Edit Chart

Data command

91 Plotting VSM Charts 91

Steps to Plot XY Charts (Cont’d)
2. Set up chart parameters and click Plot Chart button

Enter chart title

Set data filters Select Y-axis units

Select data
variables (eg.
Cycle Time) to plot

Export chart
data to Excel

Plot. The new chart will Variables will be plotted in

be placed on bottom left sequence shown here.
hand corner of page. Use Up Down buttons to
Move to require location. change sequence

92 Plotting VSM Charts 92

Steps to Plot XY Charts (Cont’d)
Options for Chart Variables:

Set a default value for non-

existent plot points

Select Variables to plot

Select Display Type

Enter Tag number for single tag

data plot

Set color of Fill or lines

3. Click the Plot Chart command in

the right mouse button menus Edit Chart Data
Plot Chart
Create Spreadsheet
Notes:
eVSM chart is a Group of simple shapes. Avoid ungrouping
these as this may displace some of the shapes.
Chart is not dynamically linked to data. If data changes,
chart must be re-created or updated via the Update Chart
command available in the right mouse button menu on the
chart.
93 Plotting VSM Charts 93
Milestone Charts
The milestone chart allows you to plot key milestone on a
combined timeline.

Steps to Plot a Milestone Chart

1. Get data ready in this format

C180 C190

Manufacturing
Sales Milestones
Milestones

Manufacturing
Order Approved 90 Days 80 Days
Begins
Order Shipped Inspection
10 Days 30 Days
to Customer Complete
Manufacturing
Order Accepted 0 Days 15 Days
Complete

94 Plotting VSM Charts 94

Steps to Plot a Milestone Chart (Cont’d)
2. Drag out the Milestone Chart icon and click the Edit
command in it’s right mouse button menus

Milestone
Chart Edit Milestone Chart Data
Milestone Plot Milestone Chart
Chart Create Spreadsheet

3. Complete form

4. Plot chart

Update Milestone Tag Chart

5. Use the Update chart command in the chart’s right mouse

button menus to update the chart when the date changes

95 Plotting VSM Charts 95

Cumulative Bar Charts
The cumulative bar chart allows you to visualize the phases of
a value stream on a timeline.

Steps to Plot a Cumulative Bar Chart

1. Get data ready in this format

B070

Order Fulfillment
Timeline

Process Order 1 Days

Order Approval 8 Days

Scheduling 3 Days

Wait for Mfg 15 Days

Manufacturing 10 Days
Wait for
1 Days
Delivery
Delivery 2 Days

96 Plotting VSM Charts 96

Steps to Plot a Cumulative Bar Chart (Cont’d)
2. Drag out the Cumulative Bar Chart icon and click the Edit
command in it’s right mouse button menus

Edit Milestone Chart Data

Cumulative Plot Milestone Chart
Bar Chart Create Spreadsheet

3. Complete form

4. Plot chart

Update Cumulative Tag Chart

5. Use the Update chart command in the chart’s right mouse

button menus to update the chart when the date changes

97 Plotting VSM Charts 97

 Managing Improvements

Map annotation with Kaizen Bursts & Clouds

Problems can be
documented using
Kaizen Kaizen bursts
Starburst Kaizen

Solutions can be
suggested using
Kaizen Solution
Kaizen clouds
Cloud

Adding Attributes to Kaizen Shapes

Additional attributes can be added to Kaizen Bursts and

Clouds by selecting the shape with a right mouse click
and picking the “View Custom Property” menu.

Kaizen

98 Managing Improvements 98
Generating Kaizen Reports

eVSM Kaizen Report

The eVSM Kaizen Report toolbar button scans the map for all
Kaizen shapes (starburst and clouds) and exports custom
properties associated with the shapes to two Excel
spreadsheets (Pagename_Starbursts and
Pagename_Clouds)

The standard Custom property user interface in Visio allows

Lean Practitioners or organizations to define their own custom
properties for export.
Cu...

Sequence 3
Problem Problem Description
Owner Joe Bloggs

This functionality allows export to Excel and via Excel to other

products like Microsoft Project Manager. The function
replaces the Visio-based Kaizen table in earlier releases

Note that the export is one-directional and a new report is

generated every time overwriting any existing report.

99 Managing Improvements 99
Making a Model Copy

eVSM Model Copy

The “Model Copy” button in the toolbar allows the map and
associated spreadsheet to be copied to a new page in the
same Visio file. Very useful in copying an existing map with
calculations and then making modifications for “what-if”
studies or Future state possibilities.

This is also the preferred method of effectively renaming a

page

100 Managing Improvements 100

 This area intentionally left blank

101 Managing Improvements 101

 Sharing with eVSM
Copy and Paste into PowerPoint or Excel

Visio shapes can simply be selected , copied and then

pasted into other Microsoft office applications like
PowerPoint and Excel. Be sure to paste a picture (using the
Paste As… command). This will allow re-sizing of the
pasted picture without requiring editing and font
adjustments.
Visio Viewer

A free Visio Viewer is available for download at:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads

Acrobat PDF
Acrobat PDF allows capture of any size drawing in a single
file, which can be viewed with the free Acrobat Reader, and
is easily printable. On-screen viewing is good, it is
searchable, and supports password security. The author
must have the Acrobat Distiller software, the audience only
need the free Acrobat Reader. Steps to convert an eVSM
map to PDF:

1. Click the File>Print... menu.

2. Select Acrobat Distiller as your Printer, and click OK.
3. You will then be prompted for the PDF file name and the
location to save the PDF file in.

102 Sharing with eVSM 102

Publish to Web

eVSM maps can be converted to web format which can be

viewed in any web browser. The web format files can be
uploaded to a web server or E-mailed. Steps to convert to
web format:

1. Click File>Save as Web Page…

2. In the Save As dialog. Click, the Publish… button
3. In the Publish dialog, click the Format Options… button,
set format to GIF, and click OK.
4. To later view this in a web browser, just open the html
file with the name same as your eVSM filename in a
web browser.
5. The conversion to web format, creates a collection of
web files. All of these need to be included in any E-mail
transfers or upload to a web server.
6. To open the drawing in a browser, click the
drawing_name.htm file.

Convert to Bitmap

Common bitmap formats such as JPEG, GIF, and TIFF can

be viewed in most browsers without any additional software.
eVSM maps can be converted to these and other graphic
formats with the File>Save As… menu. On the Save As
dialog, click the Save as type pull-down and select the
format.

103 Sharing with eVSM 103

Print
Visio allows drawings of any size. The drawings can then
be printed on any size paper supported on available
printers.
When the drawing size does not match the paper size, you
can either print across several sheets. You can also shrink
(or expand) the drawing to fit the paper by clicking
File>Page Setup… and then checking the Fit to 1 sheet
checkbox.

104 Sharing with eVSM 104

Print (Cont’d)
The File>Print Preview function can and should be used to
assess the print output before committing the drawing to
paper.

Printing Problems
The eVSM Software essentially generates a Visio file. The
printing of the file is handled by standard Visio functionality.
Problems printing from Visio could be due to Visio, the print
driver, or the printer.
Here are some suggestions if you have problems printing
from Visio:
Make sure you have the latest Visio Service Patch
installed
Try copy/paste of your VSM to PowerPoint or Excel and
then print from there
Convert your VSM to Acrobat PDF and then print the
PDF file

105 Sharing with eVSM 105

 Toolbar Button Index
Communications Circle 35

eA3 Report 38

eVSM Autofix 25

eVSM Calculator 71 ,72 ,88

eVSM Drill Down 27

eVSM Excel Check On/Off 68

eVSM Fast Update 71

eVSM Formula Wizard 80

eVSM Gadgets Check On/Off 45

eVSM Glue Check On/Off 10

eVSM Kaizen Report 99

eVSM Link Activities 24

eVSM Macro Maker 60

eVSM Manage Gadget Collections 45 ,46

eVSM Model Copy 84 ,100

eVSM Name and Units Manager 17 ,55 ,73

eVSM Tag Number 67

eVSM Unlink Activities 24

106 Toolbar Button Index 106

Toolbar Button Index (cont'd.)
eVSM Update Gadgets 45

eVSM V4 Migration 27

Spaghetti Diagram 31

107 Toolbar Button Index 107

 Icons Index
9 ,42

Block Mng Equation 79

Callout 41

Cumulative Bar Chart 97

Finished Goods 20

Healthcare Depts 40 ,41

Healthcare Items 41

Healthcare People 39 ,41

High Roof Place 40

Icon Of Place 40

Inventory Shapes 19

Kaizen Cloud 41 ,98

Kaizen Starburst 41 ,98

Key Creator 28

Long NVU 18

Low Roof Place 40

Mfg Depts 41

108 Icons Index 108

Icons Index (cont'd.)
Mfg People 41

Milestone Chart 95

Non Value Added 18

Operation Shapes 14

Operation Tag 67 ,88

Outside Source 14

Service Depts 41

Service People 41

Short NVU 19

Start eVSM 4

Stepped Arrows 15

Supermarket 19

Swimlane 87

Table 86

Transmit Shapes 20 ,21 ,41

Transport Shapes 20 ,41

Units Converter 21

109 Icons Index 109

Icon Index (Contd.)
Value Added 18

XY Chart 91

110 Icons Index 110

Icon Index (Contd.)

111 Icons Index 111

 General Index

security
A setting 4
E
A3 report 38 enable macros 4
arrows 15 equation manager 70
autofix 25 evsm calculator 65
automove 24
F
B
fast update 69
bitmap 101 file naming 69
block managed equations 77 fill color 82
blue icons 9 flying connectors 18
buffers 19 formula wizard 78

C G
calculator problems 66 gadget collections 45
cell color 82 Gadget Hide/Show 47
Chart Maker 88 Gadget Color-Coding 47
chart variables 91 Gadget Scale Factor 47
communications circle 34 gadgets 42
cumulative bar charts 94 gadgets by example 50
current set 56 gadgets check 45

D glue 10
grid 9
data 16
H
data ranges 82
direct equations 70 help site 5
drag & drop 9
I
drill-down 27

112 General Index 112

General Index (cont'd.)

inventory 19 non value added 18

inventory data 19 number format 82

K numeric format 82
nva 18
kaizen 96
O
kaizen cloud 41
kaizen starburst 41 operation tag 65
key creator 28 operation tags 65

L P
lean enterprise academy 6 page resize 8
lean enterprise institute 6 pdf 100
lean healthcare west 6 people 39

M Plot Charts 88
plot xy charts 89
macro maker 60 powerpoint 100
macro shapes 52 print 102
manage equations 71 printing problems 103
managed equations 70
Q
managing improvements 96
migrate maps 27 queue 19
milestone charts 92
R
model copy 82 ,98
multi-unit display 22 resize page 8
multi-unit edit 23 resizing shapes 9

N rowmaker shapes 66

S
name & unit sets 58

113 General Index 113

General Index (Contd.)

visio page names 12

snap 9 visio viewer 100
snap to grid 9
W
spaghetti diagram 30
Spaghetti Diagram - Scale 33 web 101
spaghetti report 30
X
standard names 52
standardization 52 xy charts 88
starter maps 52
Z
stencil 7
supermarkets 19 zoom 7
support 5
swim lane 85

T
text editing 9
toolbar 5
transmit 20
transport 20

U
unit converters 21
unit family 21
update chart 91

V
va 18
value added 18

114 General Index 114

General Index (Contd.)

115 General Index 115

 Useful URL’s

eVSM Demonstration http://www.evsm.com/demo

Download Trial http://www.evsm.com/trial

Check for Latest Updates http://www.evsm.com/updates

eVSM On-line Help http://www.evsm.com/help

eVSM Installation Help http://www.evsm.com/install
eVSM Training http://www.evsm.com/training

Transfer eVSM to new PC http://www.evsm.com/transfer

22 September 2009