Definitions for "Value stream mapping"
Keywords:  pencil, lean, stream, map, envisioning
A pencil and paper tool used in two stages: 1. Follow a product's production path from beginning to end and draw a visual representation of every process in the material and information flows. 2. Then draw a future state map of how value should flow. The most important map is the future state map.
Creating a picture of the complete material and information flow from customer request through order fulfillment for an operation.  Value Stream Mapping can be done at an enterprise level (showing customer-supplier relationships as well as distributors), a door to door level showing the flow of material and information primarily within a factory, office, or hospital operation, and a process level map with a narrower scope and more detail.  The 'Current State' is how the process works today and the 'Future State' map shows improvements towards a long-term 'ideal state'.
Highlights the sources of waste and eliminates them by implementing a future state value stream that can become reality within a short time.