{"id":1830,"date":"2020-07-02T13:36:43","date_gmt":"2020-07-02T13:36:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost:10003\/lexicon-terms\/value-stream-mapping\/"},"modified":"2022-09-08T07:50:30","modified_gmt":"2022-09-08T11:50:30","slug":"value-stream-mapping","status":"publish","type":"glossary","link":"https:\/\/www.lean.org\/lexicon-terms\/value-stream-mapping\/","title":{"rendered":"Value Stream Mapping"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Value-stream mapping (VSM) is diagraming every step involved in the material and information flows needed to bring a product from order to delivery. It is a fundamental tool used in continuous improvement to identify and eliminate waste. Toyota developed the tool \u2014 which it calls a material and information flow diagram \u2014 and it is a critical part of the Toyota Production System.<\/p>\n<p>A value stream is all the actions (both value-creating and non value-creating) required to bring a product from raw material to the arms of the customer.<\/p>\n<p>Value stream mapping typically begins with a team creating a <strong>current state map<\/strong>. This means capturing the actual condition of a value stream&#8217;s material and information flow. Subsequently, the team draws a <strong>future state map<\/strong>. That is to say a target image of how material and information&nbsp;<em>should<\/em> flow through the value stream.<\/p>\n<p>Doing this over and over is the simplest and best way to teach yourself and your colleagues how to see value.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Value-stream mapping is most commonly used in lean manufacturing. However, managers in any industry can get value from it.<\/p>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Watch an Introduction <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Introduction to Value Stream Mapping\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/O--ZVqQvaA8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Characteristics of a Lean Value Stream<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:28px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Guideline #1: Produce to your takt time<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.lean.org\/lexicon-terms\/takt-time\/\">Takt time<\/a>&#8221; is how often you should produce one part or product based on the rate of sales. Consequently, it is a proxy for customer demand. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Guideline #2: Develop continuous flow wherever possible<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Continuous flow refers to producing one piece at a time. Operators immediately pass each piece to the next process step without stagnation in between.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Guideline #3: Use supermarkets to control production where continuous flow does not extend upstream<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>There are often spots in the value stream where continuous flow is not possible and batching is necessary. Resist the temptation to schedule these process via an independent scheduling function. Instead, control their production by linking them to their downstream customers through a supermarket-based pull system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Guideline #4: Try to send the customer schedule only to one production process<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>By using supermarket pull systems, you will typically need to schedule only one point in the value stream. This point is called the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lean.org\/lexicon-terms\/pacemaker-process\/\">pacemaker process<\/a><\/strong>. This is because how you control production at this process sets the pace of production for all upstream processes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Guideline #5: Distribute the production of different products evenly over time at the pacemaker process (level the production mix)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Most assembly departments probably find it easier to schedule long runs of one product type and avoid changeovers. However, this creates serious problems for the rest of the value stream and customers, such as:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Increases the lead time from order to delivery&nbsp;<\/li><li>Swells in-process inventories<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The more you level the product mix (aka \u201cheijunka\u201d) at the pacemaker process, the more quickly you will be able to respond to different customer requirements while holding less inventory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Guideline #6: Create an &#8220;initial pull&#8221; by releasing and withdrawing small, consistent increments of work at the pacemaker process (level the production volume)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Too many companies release large batches of work to the shop floor processes, which causes several problems, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>There is no sense of &#8220;takt&#8221; or pull from the customer to which the value stream can respond.<\/li><li>Responding to changes in customer demand becomes very complicated.<\/li><li>The state of production becomes difficult to monitor.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Establishing a consistent, level production pace creates a predictable production flow. Consequently, this allows management to see problems more easily and take corrective action faster. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A good place to start is to regularly release only a small, consistent amount of production instruction (usually between 5-60 minutes worth) at the pacemaker process and simultaneously take away an equal amount of finished goods. We call this practice a <strong>paced withdrawal<\/strong>. And the <strong>pitch<\/strong> is the consistent increment of work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We calculate the pitch based on the packout quantity (the number of parts one finished-goods container holds) or a multiple or fraction of that quantity. For example, if your <strong>takt time<\/strong> is 30 seconds and your <strong>pack size<\/strong> is 20 pieces, then your <strong>pitch<\/strong> is ten minutes (30 seconds x 20 pieces = 600 seconds or 10 minutes). In other words, every 10 minutes: a) give the pacemaker process instruction to produce one pack quantity and b) take away one finished pitch quantity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Current and Future State Example Maps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:29px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"772\" data-id=\"19609\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Value-Stream-Map_Example_Current-State-Map-1024x772.jpg\" alt=\"An example current state map\" class=\"wp-image-19609\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Value-Stream-Map_Example_Current-State-Map-1024x772.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Value-Stream-Map_Example_Current-State-Map-300x226.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Value-Stream-Map_Example_Current-State-Map-768x579.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Value-Stream-Map_Example_Current-State-Map-1536x1158.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Value-Stream-Map_Example_Current-State-Map-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Value-Stream-Map_Example_Current-State-Map-375x283.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Value-Stream-Map_Example_Current-State-Map-190x143.jpg 190w, https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Value-Stream-Map_Example_Current-State-Map-600x452.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Value-Stream-Map_Example_Current-State-Map.jpg 1802w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Current State Map with Metrics<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"765\" data-id=\"19610\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Value-Stream-Map_Example_Future-State-Map-1024x765.jpg\" alt=\"An example future state map\" class=\"wp-image-19610\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Value-Stream-Map_Example_Future-State-Map-1024x765.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Value-Stream-Map_Example_Future-State-Map-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Value-Stream-Map_Example_Future-State-Map-768x574.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Value-Stream-Map_Example_Future-State-Map-1536x1148.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Value-Stream-Map_Example_Future-State-Map-150x112.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Value-Stream-Map_Example_Future-State-Map-375x280.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Value-Stream-Map_Example_Future-State-Map-190x142.jpg 190w, https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Value-Stream-Map_Example_Future-State-Map-600x448.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Value-Stream-Map_Example_Future-State-Map.jpg 1716w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Future State Map with Metrics<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Value-Stream Map Zones<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:29px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Value-Stream-Mapping-Zones-1-1024x776.jpg\" alt=\"Shows the different zones of a value-stream map.\" class=\"wp-image-19612\" width=\"543\" height=\"412\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Value-Stream-Mapping-Zones-1-1024x776.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Value-Stream-Mapping-Zones-1-300x227.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Value-Stream-Mapping-Zones-1-768x582.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Value-Stream-Mapping-Zones-1-1536x1164.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Value-Stream-Mapping-Zones-1-150x114.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Value-Stream-Mapping-Zones-1-375x284.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Value-Stream-Mapping-Zones-1-190x144.jpg 190w, https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Value-Stream-Mapping-Zones-1-600x455.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Value-Stream-Mapping-Zones-1.jpg 1784w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 543px) 100vw, 543px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Information flow<\/strong> \u2014 tells each process what to make or do next and when to do it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Process boxes<\/strong> \u2014 the steps of product or service delivery in a value stream. Because drawing a box for every process step would make the map unwieldy, use the process box to indicate one area of material flow. The process box stops wherever processes are disconnected and the material flow stops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Process data boxes<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Cycle Time (C\/T) \u2014 the time it takes an operator to go through all of her work elements before repeating them.<\/li><li>Lead time (L\/T) \u2014 the time is takes one piece to move all the way through a process or a value stream from start to finish.<\/li><li>Uptime \u2014 the percent of time a machine is available for production<\/li><li>Changeover time (C\/O) \u2014 the amount of time required to setup a machine to make a different product or part number.<\/li><li>% Complete and accurate (%C\/A) \u2014 the percent of product completed with perfect quality in a process step.<\/li><li>Availability \u2014 the amount of time a process operates over a single shift. This is often measured in seconds. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"708\" height=\"392\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Value-Stream-Mapping_Process-Data-Boxes-1.png\" alt=\"Two example process data boxes used in value stream mapping.\" class=\"wp-image-20868\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Value-Stream-Mapping_Process-Data-Boxes-1.png 708w, https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Value-Stream-Mapping_Process-Data-Boxes-1-300x166.png 300w, https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Value-Stream-Mapping_Process-Data-Boxes-1-150x83.png 150w, https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Value-Stream-Mapping_Process-Data-Boxes-1-375x208.png 375w, https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Value-Stream-Mapping_Process-Data-Boxes-1-190x105.png 190w, https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Value-Stream-Mapping_Process-Data-Boxes-1-600x332.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 708px) 100vw, 708px\" \/><figcaption>Example process data boxes in a value stream map<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Learning to See Workbook<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:26% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lean.org\/store\/book\/learning-to-see\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/learning-to-see-cover.png\" alt=\"Learning to See\" class=\"wp-image-8641 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/learning-to-see-cover.png 600w, https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/learning-to-see-cover-190x241.png 190w, https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/learning-to-see-cover-150x190.png 150w, https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/learning-to-see-cover-237x300.png 237w, https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/learning-to-see-cover-375x475.png 375w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p>Value-stream maps are the blueprints for lean transformations and&nbsp;<em>Learning to See<\/em>&nbsp;is an easy-to-read, step-by-step instruction manual that teaches this valuable tool to anyone, regardless of his or her background.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This groundbreaking workbook breaks down the important concepts of mapping into an easily grasped format.\u00a0The workbook, a Shingo Research Prize recipient in 1999,\u00a0is filled with actual maps, as well as engaging diagrams and illustrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lean.org\/store\/book\/learning-to-see\/\">Buy now<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Learning to See Online On-Demand Course<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:22px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:38% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lean.org\/store\/book\/learning-to-see\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"772\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Value-Stream-Map_Example_Current-State-Map-1024x772.jpg\" alt=\"Value Stream Map\" class=\"wp-image-19609 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Value-Stream-Map_Example_Current-State-Map-1024x772.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Value-Stream-Map_Example_Current-State-Map-300x226.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Value-Stream-Map_Example_Current-State-Map-768x579.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Value-Stream-Map_Example_Current-State-Map-1536x1158.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Value-Stream-Map_Example_Current-State-Map-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Value-Stream-Map_Example_Current-State-Map-375x283.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Value-Stream-Map_Example_Current-State-Map-190x143.jpg 190w, https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Value-Stream-Map_Example_Current-State-Map-600x452.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Value-Stream-Map_Example_Current-State-Map.jpg 1802w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p>A go-at-your-own-pace, web-based workshop faithfully based on the innovative content in the landmark Learning to See workbook that introduced value-stream mapping to the world.\u202f<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lean.org\/events-training\/events\/learning-to-see-using-value-stream-mapping\/\">Learn more<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>Having a perfectly drawn current state map is not the point. The main intention of current state mapping is going through the process of trying to understand the dock-to-dock flow.&nbsp;<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Value-Stream Mapping Is an Essential Tool<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:29px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>It helps you visualize more than just the single-process level. You can see the flow.<\/li><li>It helps you see more than waste. Mapping helps you see the sources of waste in your value stream.<\/li><li>It provides a common language for talking about a process.<\/li><li>It makes the decisions about flow apparent, so you can discuss them. Otherwise, many decisions and details just happen by default.<\/li><li>It forms the basis of an implementation plan. By helping you design how the whole &#8220;door-to-door&#8221; flow should operate, value-stream maps become a blueprint for lean implementation. Imagine trying to build a house without a blueprint!<\/li><li>It shows the linkage between material flow and information flow. No other tool does this.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where to Start<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:29px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ol><li>Select a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lean.org\/lexicon-terms\/product-family\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">product family<\/a><\/li><li>Have one person personally lead the mapping effort<\/li><li>Begin at the &#8220;door-to-door&#8221; level to capture the complete flow<\/li><li>Consider both the material flow and information flow<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Value-Stream Mapping versus Process Mapping<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:29px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Taking a value-stream perspective means working on the big picture and not just individual processes. In other words, it is about improving the whole not just optimizing the parts.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Value-Stream-Map-versus-Process-Map-1024x672.png\" alt=\"A chart explaining the difference between a value-stream map and a process map.\" class=\"wp-image-19613\" width=\"505\" height=\"331\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Value-Stream-Map-versus-Process-Map-1024x672.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Value-Stream-Map-versus-Process-Map-300x197.png 300w, https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Value-Stream-Map-versus-Process-Map-768x504.png 768w, https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Value-Stream-Map-versus-Process-Map-150x98.png 150w, https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Value-Stream-Map-versus-Process-Map-375x246.png 375w, https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Value-Stream-Map-versus-Process-Map-190x125.png 190w, https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Value-Stream-Map-versus-Process-Map-600x394.png 600w, https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Value-Stream-Map-versus-Process-Map.png 1192w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 505px) 100vw, 505px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Examples across Industries<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:29px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Industry<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Article<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Manufacturing<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lean.org\/the-lean-post\/articles\/apples-oranges-value-stream-mapping-in-a-low-volume-high-mix-environment\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Apples &amp; Oranges: Mapping in a Low-Volume\/High-Mix Environment&nbsp;<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Healthcare<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lean.org\/the-lean-post\/articles\/using-value-stream-management-to-better-care-for-stroke-patients\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Using Value Stream Management to Better Care for Stroke Patients&nbsp;<\/a><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Engineering<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lean.org\/the-lean-post\/articles\/why-value-stream-mapping-is-essential-to-product-and-process-development\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Why Value Stream Mapping is Essential to Product and Process Development&nbsp;<\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Top 5 Articles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:29px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ol><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lean.org\/the-lean-post\/articles\/10-tips-for-getting-the-most-value-from-value-stream-mapping\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">10 Tips for Getting the Most Value from Value Stream Mapping<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lean.org\/the-lean-post\/articles\/keep-it-simple-value-stream-map-at-the-gemba\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Keep It Simple: Value Stream Map at the Gemba<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lean.org\/the-lean-post\/articles\/why-you-need-to-see-the-entire-system\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Why You Need to See the Entire System<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lean.org\/the-lean-post\/articles\/misunderstandings-about-value-stream-mapping-flow-analysis-and-takt-time\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Misunderstandings About Value Stream Mapping, Flow Analysis, and Takt Time<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/planet-lean.com\/lean-value-stream-mapping\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Avoiding the Most Common Mistakes with VSM<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lean.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/value-stream-mapping-icons.xls\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Download<\/a> value-stream mapping icons<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Value-stream mapping (VSM) is diagraming every step involved in the material and information flows needed to bring a product from order to delivery. It is a fundamental tool used in continuous improvement to identify and eliminate waste. Toyota developed the tool \u2014 which it calls a material and information flow diagram \u2014 and it is [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2035,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"11564,12549,12196,11694,12176,5205","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","footnotes":""},"glossary-categories":[],"glossary-tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v22.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Value Stream Mapping Overview - Lean Enterprise Institute<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Value-stream mapping is diagraming every step in the material and information flows needed to deliver a product or service.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lean.org\/lexicon-terms\/value-stream-mapping\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Value Stream Mapping Overview - 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