What is a Value Stream?

A Value Stream represents the complete series of processes and activities necessary to deliver a product or service to a customer, making it a fundamental concept in Lean methodology. By mapping out the value stream, organizations can identify each step involved, from initial design through to delivery and post-delivery support. This comprehensive view enables teams to pinpoint areas that add value and those that do not, facilitating continuous improvement efforts and enhancing the overall efficiency of processes.

The other options do not encapsulate the concept of a Value Stream. For instance, simply stating the total number of customers served overlooks the detailed flow of activities that bring products or services to those customers. A measure of production efficiency focuses on how well resources are used, rather than the entire sequence of steps that constitute value delivery. Lastly, while inventory levels are crucial for operations, they do not reflect the activities or processes involved in serving a customer. Thus, option B stands out as the clear and correct definition of a Value Stream in Lean practices.