Value Stream Mapping provides a diagrammatic depiction of the entire supply chain to ensure a complete and shared understanding of what is happening at the different stages within it.  

 

Value stream mapping highlights the following within the supply chain:

 

- Lines of communication

- Value added and non-value added activity

- Demand

- Work-in-progress

- Output levels and process performance

- Cycle times &Lead times

- Available time

- Capacities

Value stream mapping should be the first step in the process of lean implementation through the development of a Current State Map. A Future State Map should then be developed which depicts the supply chain as you envisage it after you have implemented lean principles. Your future state value stream map becomes your lean implementation blueprint.