What is the main purpose of value stream mapping (VSM)?

The main purpose of value stream mapping (VSM) is to analyze process flows. VSM is a lean-management tool that visualizes the flow of materials and information required to bring a product or service to a customer. By mapping out each step in the process, organizations can identify inefficiencies, redundancies, and waste, which allows them to optimize workflows and improve overall productivity.

Through this analysis, teams gain insights into bottlenecks and delays, enabling them to make informed decisions about process improvements. This focus on continuous improvement is central to lean methodologies, which aim to deliver maximum value to customers with minimal waste. Value stream mapping not only highlights current performance but also serves as a foundation for making strategic enhancements within a workflow.