What is a characteristic of effective value stream mapping?

A characteristic of effective value stream mapping is identifying areas for process improvement. This approach involves analyzing the flow of materials and information needed to bring a product or service to the customer, allowing organizations to visualize their processes clearly. By pinpointing inefficiencies or bottlenecks within the current value stream, teams can develop targeted strategies to enhance performance, reduce waste, and create more value for customers.

This focus on continuous improvement aligns with lean principles, which seek to simplify, streamline, and optimize processes for better overall productivity and efficiency. Effective value stream mapping is not just about documenting every step but rather understanding how those steps contribute to the overall value delivered, which naturally leads to identifying opportunities for refinement and improvement in the process.