Value Stream Mapping Template

About the Value Stream Mapping Template

To optimize repeatable processes, it is important to understand them thoroughly. Our value stream mapping template can help you create a map easily.

Toyota developed this framework as part of its lean manufacturing methodology. By following their "just-in-time" strategy, Toyota only delivers enough finished cars to meet customer demand, avoiding losses due to storage and holding patterns. However, this approach requires continuous improvement, and a clear value stream analysis is essential.

The value stream map template promotes communication and collaboration to improve cross-functional processes. With this template, you can identify obstacles that hinder your production process, regardless of your industry.

How to use the value stream mapping template

Start by opening the value stream mapping template by clicking the "use template" button at the top of this page. Invite your team to collaborate on the template, then follow these steps:

1. Determine your scope

Figure out the start and endpoints of your value stream. When do you start adding value to the raw materials, and when do you hand the finished product off, either to a customer or another business?

2. Add objects for each step

What steps do you take to prepare a single product or feature for the customer? Create a box for each one. It might help to think of each team as its own step.

3. Add the flow of materials between each object

Add an arrow between each step. Label each arrow with the resources that must be transferred for the next step to be possible.

4. Add information flows

Add arrows of a different color to show which steps must communicate with each other to complete the process. Include flows that don’t match the resource flows, such as sending regular updates to a central management team.

5. Show how long each step takes

Add a timeline and base it on your real-world cycle time data. This is how you’ll be able to shed light on which steps and transitions are wasting time and resources.

6. Revise as needed

Remember, lean management demands continuous improvement. Once you’ve drawn your map, don’t be afraid to iterate. How does your timeline look? What process steps have you mapped out? Is your lead time too long? Are you seeing test failures? Identify any steps in the process that do not add value to the customer.

For more details on how to create a value stream map, you can see our in-depth guide, which can also help if you're planning on facilitating a value stream mapping workshop.

What are the benefits of using a VSM template?

Value stream mapping is a critical component of any business strategy. Here are a few things a value stream mapping tool can help you with.

Foster collaboration

Value stream maps make it easy to identify gaps in communication between teams and across functions. Once you’ve identified these gaps, you can brainstorm ideas for fostering communication and knowledge-sharing.

Reduce waste

Most of the waste in your production process occurs during handoffs between teams. When a project changes hands from Team A to Team B, it’s crucial to make sure all of Team A’s knowledge, experience, tools, and resources go with it.

If anything falls through the cracks, Team B has to waste time reinventing the wheel. That costs your company precious time and resources.

Value stream analysis allows you to overcome this obstacle by clarifying which handoffs are causing waste and why. With value stream mapping, you can reduce downtime from team transitions, making a Toyota-style lean strategy more feasible.

Focus on the customer

At all stages of production, your focus should be on the customer. But when there are so many teams and moving parts to think about, that focus can be hard to maintain.

The value stream mapping exercise forces you to evaluate whether each step in the process is adding value from the customer’s standpoint. This laser focus maintains your competitive advantage the only way it’s possible to do so sustainably: by producing the most value for your customers in the leanest way possible.

What factors should you keep in mind when creating a value stream map?

1. Business value

Which aspect of the product has the highest business value? Answer that question before you start building your map.

2. Responsibility

Who is mapping the value stream? It’s important to assign this task to an experienced team who can see the current state map and future state maps from start to finish.

3. Identifying the problem

What problem are you solving? Looking at the current state map, what are the deficiencies in the process flow? How can you improve future states?

Think about this question from the customer’s perspective. What have you been hearing from your customers? Do they think the price of your product is too high or the quality is low? Make sure everyone is on the same page about your problem before you start mapping.

4. Setting tangible objectives

What is the scope? Make sure you know what problems you can’t solve or don’t need to solve right away. That will help you create a clear, effective map with no extraneous parts.

Using process mapping software can be a game changer when you need to connect teams, optimize business processes, and scale your organization.