Digital Value Stream Mapping: Application of UWB Real Time Location Systems

Brendan P. Sullivan, Poorya Ghafoorpoor Yazdi, Akshay Suresh, Sebastian Thiede*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articleAcademicpeer-review

15 Citations (Scopus)
380 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Value stream mapping (VSM) is a valuable practice employed by industry experts to identify inefficiencies in the value chain due to its visual representation capability and general ease of use. VSM supports the visualization of product and material flows as a snapshot and enhances understanding of production behavior across multiple domains; however, it can lead to oversimplification, tedious/inaccurate data collection, and can have a static nature. Through improved digital integration this paper presents a semi-automated VSM solution that leverages dynamic Real Time Location System (RTLS) data to track motion throughout a production floor. This solution incorporates a high precision UWB RTLS, that allows for the real-time analysis and formulation of different state maps to track processes, equipment, people, and materials on the manufacturing floor. This multi-state mapping outcome has demonstrated the ability to allow for the rapid comparisons of various state maps and supports more effective and robust decision making. Based on initial results the system was able to continuously map accurate and reliable shop floor data and update new maps with limited human intervention, demonstrating the ability for RTLS to enhance VSM.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1186-1191
Number of pages6
JournalProcedia CIRP
Volume107
Early online date26 May 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022
Event55th CIRP Conference on Manufacturing Systems, CIRP CMS 2022 - Canton of Ticino, Lugano, Switzerland
Duration: 29 Jun 20221 Jul 2022
Conference number: 55

Keywords

  • Digitalization
  • Real-Time Locating System
  • RTLS
  • Value Stream Mapping
  • VSM

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Digital Value Stream Mapping: Application of UWB Real Time Location Systems'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this