Valor has developed a methodology to ensure successful deployment of factory optimizing software tools. The Value-based Solution Implementation Methodology (VSIM) is a proven approach that has the objective of providing a fast time-to-benefit as well synchronizing vendor and manufacturer teams, and leads them through a common process to identify, deliver and sustain business value. This can be used with companies of various sizes, whether they have 3 SMT lines or 30 SMT lines.


VSIM is a consultancy-based methodology that involves coordinating solution provider (vendor) and manufacturer (client) teams, and follows a common, well-defined collaborative process. The process involves identifying what benefits the customer is seeking, delivering these benefits using measurements of success through key performance indicators (KPIs), and then sustaining the improvements through knowledge transfer to enable the customer to be self-sufficient. The VSIM methodology comprises 2 phases: Process Analysis and Project Deployment.

Process analysis follows a defined workflow to ensure a comprehensive collaborative process is in place to analyze the full factory environment. Diagram 1 indicates the flow of the Project Analysis methodology.

	Discovery and Analysis: Describe the current situation in the factory.  It includes what actions and activities are performed, current metrics and data, and the business processes in place.
	Hypothesis of improvement is formulated based on the needs identified in Discovery.  Identify needs and the impact of capitalizing on those needs are described.
	A description of the recommended solution including process changes and configuration of software and/or hardware should be described, with explanations of their functional link to the business needs, if applicable.
	Solution deployment strategy defines how the solution/technology recommendations may be realized, in a general way.  Success metrics should be defined and risks should be described.
	The Benefits Analysis section describes the estimated derived value from the proposed solution in financial terms.

Once the customer and Valor deployment strategy is aligned then the project enters the deployment stages, consisting of four targeted project areas: Project Definition, Solution Design, Solution Deployment, and Solution Cut-off/On-Going Support.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are initially formalized, based on the Project Analysis phase, and developed as part of the Solution Design, in line with various initiatives or strategies within a customer factory. This means that strategies such as Lean Manufacturing, 5S, or any other initiatives, can be integrated into the Project Deployment because of the focus on KPIs and their value-based goals.

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