Insights on Why, When, and How Value-Stream Mapping is a Vital Part of Continuous Improvement

The following Lean Posts offer an introduction — or a refresher — detailing how mapping your value stream helps improve work processes.

1. Jim Womack Explains the Origins — and Value — of Value-Stream Mapping
   By Jim Womack
   In this brief video, the LEI founder and senior advisor offers an introduction — or refresher — on how and why this essential practice helps lean practitioners see and improve their work processes.
2. Understanding the Fundamentals of Value-Stream Mapping
   By Lean Leaper
   This overview explains the essential elements of this powerful lean practice, including:
   • What is Value-Stream Mapping? 
   • Why Value-Stream Mapping is an Essential Practice
   • Understanding the 4 Value-Stream Map Zones
   • How Value-Stream Mapping Differs from Process Mapping
   • A Closer Look at Process Data  
   • Value-Stream Mapping Icons  
3. 6 Guidelines for Moving Toward a Lean Value Stream
   By Mike Rother and John Shook
   Once you’re ready to use value-stream mapping to continuously improve your value streams, follow this advice from the authors of Learning to See, the workbook that introduced value-stream mapping to thousands of people around the world.
4. Tips for Getting the Most from Value-Stream Mapping 
   By Judy Worth
   Before you map your value stream, review and keep in mind these tips for ensuring your organization reaps the performance gains it can deliver — including improvements in performance and teamwork.
5. Keep It Simple: Value-Stream Mapping at the Gemba 
   By Dave LaHote
   A veteran lean coach shares a story showing that even simple and quick value-stream mapping can be hugely helpful when you include the people doing the work in the mapping process.
6. Apples & Oranges: Value-Stream Mapping in a Low-Volume/High-Mix Environment
   Here’s how one LVHM company mapped its complex value streams — and discovered the path to next-level productivity that enabled it to transform the business for an entire range of products, from losing money to making a decent profit.
7. Why Value-Stream Mapping is Essential to Product and Process Development 
   By John Drogosz
   Learn about a proven way to help cross-functional teams clearly “see” their work and achieve their full potential.
8. Why You Need to Map the Extended Value Streams 
   By Dan Jones
   This case study from the LEI workbook Seeing the Whole Value Stream shows how the practice can help businesses optimize their global sourcing strategy, creating win-win-win outcomes for everyone involved.

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