VALUE STREAM
MAPPING
Ritik Dodhiwala
WHAT IS VALUE STREAM MAPPING
Let’s begin by understanding what VSM is. It’s a lean technique used to
visualize how workflows through a process—from start to finish. The goal?
Identify and eliminate waste. This helps us improve efficiency, reduce delays,
and deliver greater value to our customers. Think of it as a GPS for business
processes.
- Definition: A lean-management method for analyzing the current state and
designing a future state for the flow of materials and information.
- Purpose: Identify waste, improve flow, and enhance customer value.
ORIGINS & RELEVANCE
• VSM originated from the Toyota Production System, but its value isn't limited
to manufacturing. Today, it powers transformation in software development,
healthcare, even Agile coaching. Especially in SAFe environments, VSM lets
us align teams and optimize flow across portfolios.
• Developed as part of the Toyota Production System.
• Widely used in manufacturing, software development, healthcare, and
Agile transformations.
• Aligns with SAFe and Lean principles—perfect for enterprise-level coaching.
KEY COMPONENTS OF A VSM
• A Value Stream Map consists of process steps, material and information
flows, and key metrics like cycle time and % accuracy. It also highlights which
parts of the timeline are value-added versus non-value-added. This visual
breakdown helps stakeholders quickly identify bottlenecks and opportunities.
•Process Steps (boxes)
•Material Flow (arrows)
•Information Flow (dashed lines)
•Metrics: Cycle time, lead time, inventory, % complete & accurate
•Timeline: Value-added vs non-value-added time
VSM SYMBOLS CHEAT SHEET
• "Understanding the symbols is crucial. You’ll see supplier/customer icons,
process boxes, arrows for flow, and Kaizen bursts—which highlight
improvement opportunities. Once you get fluent in this visual language,
creating and reading maps becomes intuitive."
Include visuals of:
- Supplier & Customer icons
- Process boxes
- Push arrows
- Kaizen bursts
- Inventory triangles
STEPS TO CREATE A VSM
• Here’s the step-by-step process: first, pick a product or service family. Map
the current state by walking the flow. Then analyze for waste, design the
improved future state, and implement changes. Don’t forget to revisit the
map regularly—it’s a living tool.
[Link] product/service family
[Link] current state
[Link] for waste
[Link] future state
[Link] improvements
6. Monitor & iterate
CURRENT VS. FUTURE STATE
In the current state map, you’ll likely see delays, handoffs, or rework. But when
you build the future state map, you’ll aim to reduce waste, automate steps,
and improve flow. It’s like watching transformation in action—from chaos to
clarity.
•Show a sample current state map (with bottlenecks, delays)
•Show a future state map (streamlined flow, reduced waste)
•Highlight improvements: reduced lead time, better flow, fewer handoff
BENEFITS OF VSM
The benefits are enormous: VSM provides visual clarity across teams, reveals
root causes of inefficiencies, fosters collaboration, and supports Agile and Lean
goals. It encourages organizations to think holistically, rather than in silos.
•Visual clarity across teams
•Identifies root causes of inefficiency
•Enables cross-functional collaboration
•Supports Agile and Lean transformation goals
VSM IN AGILE COACHING
As an Agile Coach, I’ve seen how VSM amplifies impact during PI Planning,
system demos, or ART syncs. It shows where delays occur across teams and
helps leaders align around improvement opportunities. It also reinforces Lean
flow and feedback loops.
- Use in PI Planning and ART syncs
- Helps visualize flow across teams and systems
- Drives continuous improvement and stakeholder
alignment
REAL WORLD EXAMPLE
• Let me share a quick story. I mapped a release train’s workflow across
multiple teams using Jira. We found redundant handoffs and unclear
ownership. Post-VSM, we redesigned roles, automated reporting, and cut lead
time by 30%. It showcased the power of visual storytelling.
•Brief case study from your experience (e.g., mapping a release train or optimizing a Jira
workflow)
•Before vs after metrics
•Lessons learned
CONCLUSION & CALL TO ACTION
• To wrap up—VSM isn’t just a diagram. It’s a mindset shift. Walk your flow,
involve cross-functional voices, and make the invisible visible. I invite you to
try mapping your own value streams—and I’m happy to facilitate a workshop
or guide your teams through the process.
•Recap: VSM is a powerful tool for transformation
•Encourage teams to “walk the flow”
•Invite questions or a workshop session
