Value Stream Mapping

Value stream mapping allows you to visualize your manufacturing process and information flows. It is often the first step in identifying waste and opportunities to streamline processes and reduce lead times.

Value stream mapping generally involves four steps:

1. Identify the product value stream to map
2. Develop the current state map of materials, processes and flow of information
3. Diagnose problems, identify opportunities for improvement and define a future state
4. Implement improvements

Value stream mapping also becomes the basis for applying other lean tools and concepts like continuous flow, kanban, and setup reduction that can be used to generate process improvements in the future state. It offers a shared roadmap across the organization that aligns your team around a common plan for process improvement.