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Chapter 4
Process Step Maps
4.1 What It Is
Process step maps represent a lower meso- level analysis that describes and
quantitatively measures the different types of steps associated with a particular
process, identifying both value- adding and non- value- adding process steps.
4.2 When to Use
Process step mapping is particularly useful when trying to improve the
speed and quality of a process. The key to such improvement efforts is elim-
inating or minimizing non- value- adding process waste, thus making a pro-
cess “leaner.” Before process waste can be eliminated, however, it must first
be identified and quantified. Process step mapping is an ...