Definition
Value stream mapping is a lean management technique used to visualize and analyze the flow of materials and information required to bring a product or service to a customer. It maps out every step in a process, identifying value adding activities and waste. By doing so, teams can understand the current state of their workflow, pinpoint bottlenecks, and identify opportunities for improvement. This visual tool helps teams collaborate to eliminate non-value adding steps, reduce lead times, and increase overall efficiency. For instance, a software development team might use value stream mapping to identify delays in their code review and deployment process. Unlike a simple process map, value stream mapping specifically focuses on the flow of value to the customer and the elimination of waste. This concept is frequently tested on exams like the PMP, CAPM, and PMI-ACP.