How do you compare value stream mapping to process mapping?

1 What is value stream mapping?

Value stream mapping (VSM) is a method of visualizing the entire flow of value creation from the customer's perspective. It shows the steps, inputs, outputs, resources, and information flows involved in delivering a product or service to the customer. It also identifies the sources of waste, inefficiency, and variation that affect the value stream. VSM helps you to see the big picture of your process and to prioritize improvements based on customer value.

2 What is process mapping?

Process mapping is a method of visualizing the specific activities, roles, and interactions that occur within a process. It shows the sequence, dependencies, inputs, outputs, and decision points of each task. It also documents the rules, standards, and guidelines that govern the process. Process mapping helps you to understand the details of your process and to identify the gaps, errors, and bottlenecks that affect the performance.

3 How are they similar?

Both value stream mapping and process mapping are useful tools for process design. They both use symbols, diagrams, and data to represent the current state of a process and to suggest the future state. They both involve collecting and analyzing information from various sources, such as stakeholders, customers, documents, and observations. They both aim to improve the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of a process by eliminating waste and adding value.

4 How are they different?

Despite their similarities, value stream mapping and process mapping have some key differences. VSM focuses on the end-to-end flow of value from the customer's point of view, while process mapping focuses on the specific tasks and interactions within a process. VSM covers a broader scope and a higher level of abstraction, while process mapping covers a narrower scope and a lower level of detail. VSM uses lean principles and metrics, such as cycle time, lead time, and value-added time, while process mapping uses more conventional measures, such as cost, quality, and time.

5 When to use value stream mapping?

Value stream mapping is best suited for processes that involve multiple functions, departments, or organizations. It is also ideal for processes that have a clear customer value proposition and a high degree of variation or waste. VSM can help you to align your process with your customer's needs and expectations, and to optimize your resources and information flows. VSM can also help you to create a strategic vision and a roadmap for your process improvement initiatives.

6 When to use process mapping?

Process mapping is best suited for processes that are well-defined, stable, and repeatable. It is also ideal for processes that have a clear owner and a standard operating procedure. Process mapping can help you to clarify your process roles and responsibilities, and to streamline your process activities and decisions. Process mapping can also help you to document your process knowledge and to train your process participants.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?