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Value Stream Map for One Process
Map every step a task passes through end-to-end, marking value-add versus non-value-add.
Goal
Expose the gap between actual work time and total process time via a visual map revealing every hidden stop and delay.
Steps
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1
Pick one process from request to delivery (e.g., customer request to paid invoice).
Expected Outcome
Immediate
You discover the process takes days though actual work inside it is under two hours.
Evidence base
School: Lean Manufacturing / Value Stream Mapping
Founders: Mike Rother · John Shook (1998)
Mike Rother and John Shook developed Value Stream Mapping in "Learning to See" (1998) as Lean's core diagnostic tool before any improvement.
Keywords
Frequently asked questions
How long does "Value Stream Map for One Process" take?
This exercise takes about 75 minutes, practiced in a group in a Behavioral format.
When will I notice the effect of "Value Stream Map for One Process"?
You discover the process takes days though actual work inside it is under two hours. In the short term: Within a month of fixing the longest wait gap, total lead time drops 30-50%.
Is "Value Stream Map for One Process" evidence-based?
Yes — it draws on Lean Manufacturing / Value Stream Mapping (Mike Rother, John Shook (1998)). Mike Rother and John Shook developed Value Stream Mapping in "Learning to See" (1998) as Lean's core diagnostic tool before any improvement.
Is "Value Stream Map for One Process" suitable for beginners?
Its difficulty level is: Advanced. No external tools required — it can be practiced directly inside the app.
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