What does Value-Stream Mapping (VSM) focus on?

Value-Stream Mapping (VSM) focuses on the entire production process, which allows organizations to visualize and understand the flow of materials and information from the beginning to the end of that process. This mapping technique identifies each step involved in the production process, highlighting both value-adding and non-value-adding activities. By capturing the complete landscape of operations, VSM enables companies to identify areas for improvement, reduce waste, and enhance efficiency overall.

The comprehensive nature of VSM helps teams recognize not just the discrete elements of production, but how they interconnect and contribute to the overall goals of a business, particularly in delivering value to the customer. This method fosters a systems-thinking approach by illustrating how processes work together rather than in isolation, ultimately leading to improved operational performance and customer satisfaction.