Visualizing Sustainability Performance of Manufacturing Systems using Sustainable Value Stream Mapping (Sus-VSM)

Abstract

This paper presents the initial results of a comprehensive effort to develop a methodology for sustainable value stream mapping (Sus-VSM) and its application to an industry case study. Suitable metrics and visual symbols were first identified to develop the approach to Sus-VSM. A pilot case study conducted with a local manufacturer of satellite television dishes showed the Sus-VSM approach was able to capture the economical, environmental, and societal sustainability of the line studied. Other and/or additional metrics may be more appropriate if a completely different production line were to be assessed and can be determined through further case studies.