BOULDER, CO -- (MARKET WIRE) -- October 17, 2006 -- Pelion Systems, a market leader in
Manufacturing Operating Systems powered by Lean principles, today announced
the release of EasyVSM, an enhanced tool within Pelion's Lean workbench
that enables manufacturers to evolve their methods of Value Stream Mapping
(VSM) and actively manage the activities, connections and flows that define
the production environment and supply chain.
Though capturing and visualizing the value stream is central to creating
process efficiencies and driving waste out of plant operations, many
manufacturers continue to rely on manual methods and tools that provide
only a static view of production and the touchpoints that surround it. In
fact, according to AMR Research in the April 2006 research brief "Lean
Value Stream Mapping Tools: The Vendor Landscape," authored by Senior Vice
President of Research Judy Sweeney, "Over 80% of companies we interviewed
for this piece still use white boards and sticky notes in the Lean VSM
process."
A powerful tool for building dynamic process renderings, EasyVSM builds an
important foundation capability to "Bring the Value Stream to Life" in a
standalone workbench format. Process Improvement, Lean and Six Sigma teams
can supplement or even replace manual whiteboard and chart paper processes
with this easy-to-learn and easy-to-use program.
Most importantly, the data that is generated during visioning exercises is
organized in a usable format for driving change and can be dynamically
updated as future conditions emerge. This capability enables managers to
not merely visualize what is happening within the plant but make rapid
adjustments as well using a smart, graphical model that ensures operations
remain Lean and in tune with changing events affecting supply and demand.
"As research firms have noted, manufacturers are looking to increase the
business impact from their mapping of value streams. EasyVSM addresses
this need in a format designed to rapidly identify process inefficiencies
while providing the added agility dimension of value stream analysis," said
Dave Gleditsch, chief technology officer at Pelion Systems. "It's such a
waste to see hard-working teams miss the opportunity to turn their ideas
into concrete information assets. Our tool is designed to capture and
leverage data for maximum value."
EasyVSM provides a unique opportunity for manufacturers to extend the
impact of their Lean initiatives, driving toward advanced Lean Engineering
methods and overcoming the challenges imposed by geographically dispersed
teams.
"Eliminating waste is the goal of Lean Manufacturing. Waste is nearly
always found between functions in a value stream. And the bigger the
distance, the larger the waste," commented Ralph Rio, research director,
ARC Advisory Group. "Value Stream Mapping, which is the primary Lean
methodology for identifying waste, has been near impossible for people in
multiple facilities. Software like Pelion's EasyVSM allows people who are
not co-located to participate as a true team. Huge new opportunities for
process improvement can be rapidly exposed via EasyVSM."
In guiding process definition to support streamlined product and material
flow, EasyVSM dynamically delivers the following capabilities:
-- Mapping current state and future state options with great clarity and
flexibility
-- Supporting the variety of symbols and standards as defined in the
texts Learning to See and Mixed Model Value Streams
-- Collaborating on Value Stream Mapping across the entire enterprise
while enabling powerful presentations and visual communication boards at
any one location
-- Organizing cycle times and changeover times, production volumes,
information flows, staffing requirements and inventory strategies
-- Calculating value-add and non-value added times
-- Visualizing high leverage projects, kaizen events and operating
programs
-- Driving verified data forward to grow with through Value Stream
Modeling and Value Stream Management applications
EasyVSM integrates easily with Microsoft Office products as well as major
ERP systems to extend the value of existing data. The application is
priced at $399 per copy and is available now for download at
www.pelionsystems.com. Currently, customers can receive a $250 discount on
their EasyVSM purchase by completing a brief online survey.
About Pelion Systems
Pelion Systems is a market leader in Lean Manufacturing solutions that
drive flexibility to help manufacturers solve the customer service vs.
profitability challenge. Working with Pelion's expert consultants, Lean
Manufacturing Operating System, and individual workbenches, companies with
complex processes and production environments are able to achieve rapid
transformations and continuous improvements in areas such as labor,
inventory and shipping costs while simultaneously improving cycle time and
delivery capabilities. Pelion's technology integrates easily with and
extends the value of existing ERP, SCM, and plant-floor systems. Solutions
are able to scale from a single facility to an extended enterprise
implementation, applying Lean principles to synchronize production, supply,
and distribution and form a true demand-driven network. Pelion is
headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, with sales offices in Detroit and
Chicago. For more information, please visit www.pelionsystems.com.