A simple diagram showing each step of the material and information flows required to get a product from order to delivery. 

Value stream maps can be created for different points in time as a way to create awareness of improvement opportunities (see illustrations). A current state map maps the current path from order to delivery. A future state map uses the improvement opportunities identified in the current state map to achieve a higher level of performance at some point in the future. 

In some cases, it may also be useful to create an ideal state map that incorporates the improvement opportunities that could be realized if all known Lean methods were applied, including right-sized tools and value stream compression. 

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Are you ready to get started with Value Stream Mapping? We’d be happy to help you in a dedicated Value Stream Mapping workshop ( contact us to discuss the options for your organization). Or would you rather get started on your own? Then grab a copy of the *Leren Zien* workbook. Published by the Lean Institute, it has been a staple resource for our Lean Black Belt training programs.