What is Value Stream Mapping?
Value Stream Mapping (VSM) is a Lean management method used to visualize, analyze, and improve the flow of materials and information required to deliver a product or service to a customer. It helps identify waste, bottlenecks, and opportunities for streamlining operations.
Purpose of VSM
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Visualize the current process from start to finish
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Identify non-value-added activities (waste)
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Improve flow and increase efficiency
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Create alignment across teams and departments
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Prioritize impactful changes
Key Components
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Customer Requirements: What the end-user expects
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Process Steps: All actions (value-adding and non-value-adding) taken to deliver the product or service
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Material Flow: Movement of physical goods
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Information Flow: How data, instructions, and communications travel
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Timeline & Lead Time: Total process time and breakdown of value-added vs. non-value-added time
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People & Resources: Who performs what task and with what tools
Steps to Create a VSM
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Define the scope – Choose the product or process to map
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Map the current state – Record all steps as they exist today
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Identify waste – Look for delays, overproduction, handoffs, rework, etc.
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Design the future state – Envision a more efficient, streamlined process
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Develop an action plan – Assign tasks, timelines, and metrics for improvement
Common VSM Symbols
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 🟩 Process Box | A step or activity in the process |
| ➡️ Arrow | Flow of material or information |
| 🕒 Clock | Cycle time or lead time |
| 📄 Data Box | Process metrics (e.g., uptime, # of operators) |
| 📦 Inventory | Accumulated stock or delay |
Benefits of VSM
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Clear view of end-to-end operations
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Improved cross-functional communication
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Reduced lead times and increased throughput
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Better resource allocation
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Foundation for continuous improvement
When to Use It
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Starting a Lean transformation
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Experiencing delays or inefficiencies
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Scaling operations
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Launching a new product/service
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Improving customer experience