~ VALUE STREAM MAPS ~

The Value Stream Map is a diagram that shows the flow of materials and the flow of information for one specific value stream, which could be for a product line, a workcell, a department, or a factory.  The value stream clearly shows each major step in the process, including queues, and categorizes the steps as either Value-Added (VA) or Non-Value-Added (NVA).  Information flows are shown, with equal weight to material flows, because information can cause material to flow or can keep material from flowing.

Current State Value Stream Map ( CS VSM )
The creation of the CS VSM is an assessment process, that creates a "snapshot" of the process as it is, before any changes are made.  The data gathering that supports the creation of the CS VSM is critical to diagnosing the points in the process where flow is impeded.

Future State Value Stream Map ( FS VSM )
The creation of the FS VSM is a design process, that creates the template and plan for the process as it will be, after all of the changes are made.  The design and analysis that supports the creation of the FS VSM is key to identifying the Point Kaizen projects that must be completed in order to transform the factory floor into a Lean enterprise.