I help Leaders Improve Performance using Process Improvement Solutions with Bottom-Line Results 🎯 Keynote Speaker | Shingo Award Winning Author | Podcaster | University Lecturer
🗺️ Every journey toward improvement starts with a clear map. This is the starting point of a traditional Value Stream Map (minus leadtime ladder and data boxes) — a powerful visual tool that helps teams understand how work flows, identify waste, and uncover opportunities for improvement. Here are the 6 steps to good VSM management: 1. Identify the Process and Scope ✅Select a process that needs improvement. ✅Clearly define the start and end points of the process. ✅Determine the scope of the value stream, including key activities and information flows. 2. Form a Cross-Functional Team ✅Assemble a team that includes representatives from all relevant functions and departments involved in the value stream. ✅This ensures diverse viewpoints and accurate data collection. 3. Map the Current State ✅Draw out the current process, listing every step, including manual tasks, approvals, wait times, and decision points. ✅Gather accurate data on cycle times, wait times between steps, and Work-In-Progress (WIP). ✅Create a ‘leadtime ladder’ to show the total leadtime and actual value-add process times. 4. Identify Waste and Inefficiencies ✅Analyze the current state map to pinpoint areas of waste, bottlenecks, and delays. ✅Look for hidden delays, such as people waiting on approvals or missing information. 5. Design the Future State ✅Based on the identified waste, brainstorm and design a future state map that shows an improved, more efficient process. ✅Focus on creating flow and eliminating non-value-added activities. 6. Develop and Implement an Action Plan ✅Create a clear action plan to implement the improvements identified in the future state map. ✅Prioritize the simplest and easiest solutions to start with. ✅Continuously monitor and update the VSM as improvements are implemented. By using value stream mapping, we gain clarity, alignment, and a foundation for meaningful change. 🔍 Ready to ask: Where are we adding value—and where are we not? #ValueStreamMapping #ContinuousImprovement #LeanThinking #ProcessImprovement #FindLeanSolutions #OperationalExcellence
That will never change Patrick, we now have to work harder and harder to get the world to listen to what that tells us, and do something about it.
Value Stream Mapping gives teams a shared understanding of the entire process, helping to identify waste and opportunities for improvement. The Future State Map aligns everyone toward a better, streamlined workflow. A great starting point: Learning to See by Mike Rother and John Shook. I read it many years ago, it's a quite easy book, but it opened my eyes.
Thanks for sharing, Patrick
Spot-on article. Very in much in line with World Class principles in doing process discovery with the subject matter experts! This indeed was the background of our mission and reason for developing our process exploration platform - the interactive workshop.
Love seeing VSM get this kind of spotlight—it’s one of the most underutilized yet powerful tools in operations. I’ve used it in everything from manufacturing to cross-functional service processes, and the magic is in how it shifts the conversation: It’s no longer “my department vs. yours,” but “our value stream vs. waste.” One extra tip I’ve found valuable: 💡 Don’t just map tasks—map the decision points and information flow breakdowns. Often, the most considerable delays occur due to approvals and missing information between steps. Great breakdown here—if more teams adopted VSM as a living, breathing process guide (instead of a one-time exercise), improvements would last much longer. #LeanSixSigma #ContinuousImprovement #OperationsExcellence
Thanks for sharing, Patrick
One of my favorite tools as it is collaborative and so visual to really see the losses and potential 🤩✨
Every material and/or information flow is a value stream. Every value stream can be improved. Thanks for highlighting, Patrick!
Colleen Soppelsa, Performance lmprovement | Lean Six Sigma Black Belt | Practical Problem Solving | Project Management PMP® | SAFe® Scrum Master | CMMI® Appraiser | Knowledge Management | Group Intelligence
2moAnd mapping Processes alongside People (Behavior in a Group) is particularly insightful!