What is Flute?

Flute is a platform that transforms static value-stream maps into dynamic simulations.

Value-stream workshops are a common way to identify and improve manufacturing and administrative processes. While they provide valuable insights, they are time-intensive and static—their results are only valid for a short time, and the value-stream map itself is rarely used after the workshop.

Flute transforms static value-stream maps into simulations for testing improvement ideas and predicting their impact on manufacturing and product development processes. The system allows value-stream maps to continue being used after the workshop to test improvement ideas and predict their impact on the process.

Flute` also adds a new dimension to the value-stream map by allowing it to predict process bottlenecks, improve resource utilization, and identify cost savings opportunities. How many projects can one engineer manage? What is the potential impact of having one more person on the team? Is there enough work to justify adding another draftsperson to allow engineers to focus on design? Flute is designed to help explore these questions and more.

How does it work?

At its core, Flute is a process simulation. A Flute project is provided with orders that need to be filled. Processes are defined to produce the required materials and, ultimately, fill the orders.

To produce these materials, processes can consume raw materials and utilize resources, such as people and equipment, for a defined time period. By chaining processes together, Flute can simulate the entire process while allocating resources to the processes as needed.

In short, if you have a value-stream map of an administrative process, then you have everything you need to create a Flute project and run the simulation.

Why is it useful?

Unlike static value-stream maps, Flute simulations allow improvement ideas to be tested and quantified. This enables value engineers to make data-driven decisions about process improvements and resource allocation.

In just a few minutes, multiple improvement ideas can be tested, providing a solid foundation for decision-making. Additionally, Flute simulations can be used beyond workshops to drive continuous improvement processes.

If a simulation is created for a common process flow, then broader improvements can be explored, such as the impact of changing team composition to optimize resource utilization.

Who is it for?

Flute is designed for value engineers and process improvement professionals who are looking to improve their processes and resource utilization.

It is particularly useful for value engineers who are looking to improve their processes and resource utilization.

It is also useful for project management teams since it identifies potential bottlenecks so that they can be addressed before they become a problem.