Lean Manufacturing: Slim Your Waste

Throughout the value stream for folding carton operations, for example, there are two types of issues and activities that occur: value-added and non-value-added. Value-added (VA) activities are process actions that actually add value by converting the form, fit, and/or function of materials and parts into printed package products. For example, VA for a folding carton producer would include the actions of printing, cutting, folding and gluing, packaging the folding cartons, and shipment to the customer. The customer pays for and specifies VA activities. Typical VA times to produce and ship one item for a folding carton job (sheet/carton) are shown in Table 1.