What is the purpose of value stream mapping?

The purpose of value stream mapping is to serve as a visual tool for analyzing the flow of materials and information throughout a business process. This technique allows organizations to understand their operations more clearly by documenting the steps involved in delivering a product or service, identifying areas where value is added, and highlighting inefficiencies or waste. By creating a visual representation of the process, stakeholders can see how information and materials move through the system, which ultimately helps in making informed decisions to improve processes and deliver greater value to customers.

Value stream mapping focuses on the complete workflow from start to finish, enabling teams to see not only the tasks that create value but also the delays, redundancies, and non-value-added activities that might be present. This clarity can lead to strategic improvements that optimize performance and enhance overall efficiency.