SPAGHETTI DIAGRAM ANALYSIS

WHAT

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Creating a spaghetti diagram is the visual creation of actual flow. The keyword is ACTUAL, not what it should be or perceived to be. These diagrams are used to track: Product flow, paper flow, people flow.

HOW

Use a different line type or color for each flow type, or use separate map for each flow path for more clarity.

Creating a Spaghetti Diagram should be done with or by the operators or those that use the process. Record the path with a pencil and use a measuring wheel or tape measure to document distances. You are looking for "cooked spaghetti", not spaghetti directly from the box, things rarely move in straight lines.

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1. Record the processes on the side and ask questions if not clear on the activity.

2. Start at the beginning of the scope, the start of the first process. Use directional arrows for the routes that are traced on the paper.

3. Do not leave out any flow movement even if the paper becomes cluttered and difficult to follow. This probably indicates opportunity. Most often, the perceived unusual flow, or "exceptions", are actually happening more often that is realized. Capture these!

4. Record the amount of time within each activity.

5. Shows the areas where materials stops, staged, held, inspected and picked up. Look for point-of-use opportunities for materials, tools, and paperwork.

6. Record the names of those involved, dates, times, and other relevant information.

7. Calculate the distance, times, shift, starts, stops, to provide baseline performance.

8. Create a separate diagram showing the ideal state of flow for each that eliminates as much non-value added tasks as possible. The team should target the ideal state and remove obstacles that may prevent this objective.

More details in the video below...