The Lean Six Sigma Pocket Toolbook: A Quick Reference Guide to Nearly 100 Tools for Improving Quality and Speed

CHAPTER 3Value Stream Mapping and Process Flow Tools

Purpose of these tools

• Visually documents a process (including key data as captured on a value stream map)

• Provides fact-based process description as basis for understanding current problems (poor flow, rework loops, delays, etc.) and opportunities

• Enables teams to quickly see improvement opportunities within the process and begin defining critical Xs (underlying causes)

• Helps team see how a process should work (future state) once they eliminate waste

• Helps communicate inside and outside the organization

Deciding which tool to use

• Tips on process mapping, p. 34, gives practical tips for generating a useful process map. Review as needed.

• Process observation, p. 36, gives tips for ...