What is value stream mapping?

Value stream mapping is a visual tool used to analyze the flow of materials and information throughout a process. It helps organizations understand the various steps involved in delivering a product or service, from the initial idea all the way to the completion and delivery to the customer. By mapping out current processes, businesses can identify both value-adding activities and waste, facilitating improvements aimed at enhancing efficiency and effectiveness.

The methodology emphasizes visual representation, which allows teams to see the entire process clearly, identifying bottlenecks, redundancies, and areas for enhancement. This is crucial for lean management practices, where the goal is to streamline operations to create more value for customers while using fewer resources. Overall, value stream mapping provides actionable insights that lead to informed decision-making and better workflow optimization.