Value Stream Mapping (VSM) is the act of producing a picture (map) of an entire working process. A VSM includes both material (product/ service) and information flows and includes both value-added and non-value-added activities.
It is a tool used to identify waste and potential areas of improvement within a process. A VSM shows values (information like the timing of steps) and numbers to objectively display where improvements can be made.
A VSM is useful for defining and understanding the process for how materials and resources are purchased, transported, stored, used in prefabrication processes, then prepared and shipped to the site to be used at the project.
Understanding and documenting the full process enables teams to identify waste, opportunities for value enhancement, and areas where the production and efficiency can be improved as whole.
The VSM discussion starts by mapping the current state of the process from beginning to end. This allows the team to find areas that do not add value to the process.
Afterwards, the team is left with what’s called the future state map – the map of the ideal process that is free of waste. The visualization of the future state map allows the team to analyze and implement actions to achieve it.
