What is a major focus of Value Stream Mapping in Lean practices?

Value Stream Mapping (VSM) in Lean practices aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the flow of materials and information throughout a process. This tool helps organizations visualize their processes in detail, identifying how products move through each stage, and how information is communicated among stakeholders. By analyzing both material flows (the physical movement of materials and products) and information flows (the data exchange that supports process actions), teams can pinpoint inefficiencies, delays, and waste within the system. This holistic view allows for targeted improvements that enhance overall process efficiency and effectiveness.

Understanding these flows is critical because it directly informs decision-makers on where to streamline processes, eliminate bottlenecks, and improve the synergy between different components of production. This, in turn, contributes to a more efficient operation aligned with Lean principles, which aim to create maximum value for the customer with minimal waste.