A Value Stream Map is a display of the critical steps in a process and the time taken in each step used to identify waste.
It visually represents the flow of work, information, and time through a process, highlighting bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement. Value stream mapping is a core technique in Lean and Agile practices, used to optimize end-to-end value delivery.
Key Characteristics
- Flow-Based Visualization – Represents the sequence of steps from request to delivery
- Time-Tracked – Annotates cycle times or wait times at each step
- Highlights Waste – Identifies delays, rework, and non-value-adding activities
- Supports Continuous Improvement – Guides teams in streamlining workflows
Example Scenarios
- Mapping the software delivery process from feature request to deployment
- Analyzing a procurement process to reduce handoff delays and approvals
- Optimizing the onboarding flow for new employees or customers
Example Value Stream Map
flowchart LR A[Customer Request] --> B[Intake<br/>1h] B --> C[Review<br/>2h] C --> D1[Manual Approval<br/>3h] C --> D2[Auto Approval<br/>1h] D1 --> E[Fulfillment<br/>4h] D2 --> E E --> F[Delivery<br/>2h] F --> G[Complete]
Role in Process Optimization
- Increases Transparency – Makes inefficiencies visible across departments
- Enables Data-Driven Change – Uses cycle times and paths to justify improvements
- Aligns Teams Around Flow – Focuses stakeholders on customer value and throughput
- Drives Lean Thinking – Encourages elimination of waste and delays
See also: Process Improvement Plan, Lean, Cycle Time, Work in Progress (WIP), Continuous Improvement.