What is value stream mapping?

Value Stream Mapping (VSM) is a method of visualizing and analyzing all the steps in the creation of a product or service, from start to finish, with the aim of identifying and eliminating waste and increasing efficiency.

In the context of Kanban and project management, VSM helps understand how information and materials flow through the process, where delays and bottlenecks occur. This allows for optimizing workflow, improving communication, and reducing cycle time.

Key elements of VSM:

• Current state map of the process
• Determining the time taken and waiting at each step
• Identifying inefficient operations
• Planning improvements and creating a future state map

Applying VSM promotes more transparent management and enhances product quality.