Improving Efficiency of Grain Processing Industry through value Stream Mapping (VSM) – A Case Study

Abstract

Lean manufacturing technology is known widely for continuous improvement in productivity and also the quality of the product. This paper deals with lean implementation in the grain processing industry. Value Stream Mapping (VSM) is one of the primary lean tools which can be used to identify opportunities for improvement in a production flow process. All the process information related to the processing of grain is collected and a VSM for current state is developed showing the current operating status of the rice mill. Then the ‘5 whys’ methodology issued and the root causes are determined using Fish bone diagram (Ishikawa diagram). A total of five root causes are determined which form the major problems in the rice mill. These five causes are then solved and a value stream map for future state is then developed showing the increase in overall efficiency of the process. This study will assist as a guide for the future implementation in lean activities and will help in improving the betterment of the rice mill when done on a large scale.