What is the purpose of value stream mapping?

Value stream mapping is a powerful tool used in Lean management to visualize the flow of materials and information in a process. The primary purpose is to understand and analyze the current state of a process, highlighting how value is created and identifying areas of waste and inefficiency. By mapping out each step in a process, organizations can pinpoint where delays, redundancies, and bottlenecks occur, which helps in making informed decisions for process improvements.

This visualization allows teams to see the entire process at a glance, fostering discussions on how to optimize workflow and increase value to the customer. The ultimate goal is to streamline operations, reduce waste, and enhance overall efficiency, leading to greater customer satisfaction and more effective resource use.