This value stream map illustrates a lean manufacturing technique for analyzing, designing, and managing the flow of materials and information required to deliver a product to a customer. Value stream mapping, also known as "material and information flow mapping," depicts various work streams and information flows using a system of standard symbols. From the customer's perspective, items are mapped as adding or not adding value to identify things that do not add value. Value stream mapping can be implemented to improve any processes that have repeatable steps – particularly those with multiple handoffs. Handoffs in manufacturing are easier to visualize because they typically involve the transfer of a tangible deliverable through stations.
