Using the MUDA approach, all processes have three distinct subsets, Value added (VA), Non-value added (NVA) and Required Non-Value Added (RNVA). Kaizen events help eliminate MUDA by identifying the NVA activities in a process.
Value Added Activity (VA)
An activity that changes raw material to meet customer expectations.
Non-Value Added Activity (NVA)
Those activities that take time, or occupy space but do not add to the value of the product.
Some activities are required non value add (RNVA). They are usually required to keep the business running or may be by law. Examples may be workplace health and safety, recruitment, staff training governance, etc.
In a traditional improvement environment the processor may simply try to work faster, resulting in a 10% improvement to that VA step of the process.
Pd training continual improvement specialists can help you assess your processes and eliminate waste across New Zealand including Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch.