What is the primary purpose of a value stream map?

The primary purpose of a value stream map is to visualize the flow of materials and information throughout a process. This tool is instrumental in identifying waste, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement within workflows. By providing a clear graphical representation of how resources and information move from initiation to delivery, it allows teams to pinpoint specific stages where delays or bottlenecks occur, facilitating targeted strategies for optimization.

It effectively enables stakeholders to understand the current state of a process and identify opportunities for enhancing value delivery to the customer. This understanding is crucial for initiating process improvements and promoting lean methodologies within an organization.