Which Lean tool is effective for mapping the flow of information or products through an office process?

The most effective Lean tool for mapping the flow of information or products through an office process is a Value Stream Map. This tool provides a comprehensive view of both the material and information flows during a process, capturing details about each step, including lead times, cycle times, and value-added versus non-value-added activities. By creating a visual representation of the entire process, Value Stream Mapping helps identify bottlenecks, waste, and areas for improvement, enabling teams to optimize their workflows.

In contrast, while a Flowchart can illustrate the sequence of steps in a process, it does not typically focus on the flow of information and can lack detail about timing and waste. A Spaghetti Diagram is designed to show the movement of materials or people in a physical space but is less suited for a comprehensive overview of a process. A Fishbone Diagram serves as a root cause analysis tool, helping teams identify potential causes of a problem, rather than mapping processes. Thus, Value Stream Mapping stands out as the most holistic and informative approach to visualizing and improving office processes.