{"id":2838,"date":"2017-03-07T11:39:01","date_gmt":"2017-03-07T16:39:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/flevy.com\/blog\/?p=2838"},"modified":"2022-12-28T15:04:49","modified_gmt":"2022-12-28T20:04:49","slug":"what-exactly-is-value-stream-mapping-vsm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/flevy.com\/blog\/what-exactly-is-value-stream-mapping-vsm\/","title":{"rendered":"What Exactly is Value Stream Mapping (VSM)?"},"content":{"rendered":"

There are tons of “value”-driven management frameworks. \u00a0Value Stream Mapping (VSM)<\/a> is one of the most well known–but, do you know what exactly this methodology refers to?<\/em><\/p>\n

Value Stream Mapping Overview<\/h2>\n

VSM\u00a0is Lean Management<\/a> method for analyzing the current state and designing a future state for the series of events that take a product or service from its beginning through to the customer. \u00a0Like most Lean models, VSM is often associated with manufacturing processes. \u00a0However, it\u00a0is used in Logistics, Supply Chain, Service-related industries, Healthcare, Software Development, Product Development, and Administrative and Office processes.<\/p>\n

The goal of VSM is to identify, to demonstrate, and to decrease waste in the process. Waste is defined as any activity that does not add value to the final product. The word is often used to demonstrate and decrease the amount of “waste” in a manufacturing system. \u00a0VSM can thus serve as a starting point to help management, engineers, production associates, schedulers, suppliers, and customers to recognize waste and identify its causes.<\/p>\n

The Value Stream Map<\/h2>\n

Our Value Stream Map is a visual representation of the flow of materials from supplier to customer through your organization as well as the flow of information. This enables us to see at a glance where the delays are in your process, any restraints, and excessive inventory. \u00a0 It is primarily a communication tool, but can also be used as a Strategic Planning<\/a> and Change Management<\/a> tool.<\/p>\n

We can construct a Value Stream Map following an 8-step process, depicted below. \u00a0VSM is a team effort. It should involve representatives from all of the areas within the process being mapped.\u00a0 This creation of a Value Stream Map should be facilitated and led by an expert with experience in creating Value Stream Maps.<\/p>\n

\"vsm_process\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Step 1. Select your sponsor and set expectations.<\/strong><\/p>\n