A value stream map with focus on improving the current material and information flow : A Case study on BillerudKorsnäs Karlsborg paper production

Abstract: Lean is a method used mainly in assembly manufacturing to streamline production by eliminating various types of waste. The use of Lean in the process industry is currently limited. Some critics say, the use of the tools in Lean is very limited, while others argue that the approach of the method needs to be adapted to the conditions that exist in the process industry. Since Lean aims to eliminate waste, there is a tool called value stream map that is used to map material and information flow to identify waste in the manufacturing industry. The thesis was conducted as a case study at BillerudKorsnäs Karlsborg's paper production, where the purpose was to investigate how value stream mapping can be applied in the paper industry, with the aim of identifying and eliminating non-value-creating activities. While performing the value stream map, several problem areas were identified within the information and material flow. The most important were considered maintenance of the production equipment as well as product and material handling. This led, among other things, to recommendations for expanding finished goods inventory and introducing better documentation, to create inventory management strategies to reduce inventory levels in material inventories. Following a value stream map, it was also concluded that the applicability of the tool was considered good since activities and problem areas could be identified synoptically.