VALUE STREAM MAPPING
A value stream map (VSM) is a popular lean tool used for analysing the current state and designing the future / ideal state for a series of processes that transform a product or service from its origin to customer delivery.
During mapping activities, a team of stakeholders and process experts walk through the various processes, starting from the customer, gathering supporting data in order to map the material & information flows.
Once developed, a VSM of the current state is used to identify delays, sources of waste and non-value added processes.
Lean principles and tools are then deployed in order to transform the value stream into the ideal state.