A Value Stream Map is a Lean tool used to examine a process for the presence of unnecessary and wasteful activities. It provides visibility of material flow and information flow in a process. On one diagram, the team can visualize the eight forms of waste (i.e., defects, over-production, waiting, non-utilized talent, transportation, inventory, motion, and extra processing.)

Use:  A Value Stream Map is arguably the most powerful tool in Lean thinking. Made popular by the book by Rother and Shook, Learning to See, the Value Stream Map is used in both production environments and administrative areas. It is relatively simple to construct; yet is extremely powerful in enabling the team to visualize waste. It’s like being given a pair of glasses.

Six Sigma Terminology