The Lean Practitioner's Handbooks

04

Value stream mapping events

In this chapter I aim to answer the following questions:

1  What is a value stream mapping (VSM) event?

2  How do you go about undertaking a VSM event?

3  How do you turn a VSM into an implementation plan?

4  What are the alternatives to traditional VSM?

Value stream mapping (VSM) is one of the most useful tools for understanding and improving larger processes such as end-to-end processes that cover one or more organizations. For example, an orthopaedic pathway from the point of an initial GP referral through surgery until the point that the patient is back home, or a manufacturing process from initial order receipt through to despatch of goods, or any similar sized pathway in any other sector. VSM can be used ...