Where to begin mapping Value Streams?

In the last post we talked about the different questions lean pratitioners have about implementing Value Stream Mapping.

The question of where to begin mapping value streams actually requires understanding the definition of value stream.
Lean practitioners need to have the ability to clearly identify and define a value stream.

A Value Stream is a stream of activities required to satify a customer need. The value stream starts with the customer who may be external or internal and ends where it is has a logical end. What this means is...
1. Start with the customer. First, define who is the customer and what do they need.
2. With this defined, start Walking the value stream backwards one step at a time.
3. Stop wherever it seems to be a logical stopping point.

While doing the above steps do not restrict the value stream by functions or departments. This is because a value stream may cross multiple departments. The ultimate goal of value Stream Mapping is to map how the stream works starting with the customer first and ends where it is a logical stopping point.

Do you face the challenge of where to begin mapping value streams? Tell us about your VSM implementation. Email: info@sybeq.com