What is the primary purpose of creating a value stream map?

The primary purpose of creating a value stream map is to visualize the flow of materials and information throughout a process. This tool helps organizations identify and understand how value is created and where waste occurs within their production or service delivery processes. By mapping out each step, from the initial stages of a project to delivery, teams can see how inputs are converted into outputs and where improvements can be made to enhance efficiency, reduce lead times, and ultimately deliver greater value to customers.

Visualizing the flow allows for a comprehensive view of the processes involved, enabling teams to pinpoint bottlenecks, redundancies, and delays. This clarity supports informed decision-making and the prioritization of actions that can lead to process improvements. The focus is on enhancing the overall value stream rather than merely eliminating costs or generating reports.