ABSTRACT
Value stream mapping is a Lean manufacturing technique, is very adaptable to supply chains, and is used to document, analyze, and improve the flow of information or materials required to produce a product or service for a customer. A value stream map takes into account not only the activity of the product but the management and information systems that support the basic process. This is especially helpful when working to reduce cycle time, because people gain insight into the decision-making flow in addition to the process flow. Supply chain value stream mapping can be the tool with which to perform those functions. Additionally, the link between the supply chain and the principles of quality, continuous improvement, and Lean manufacturing can only be put into practice using techniques and tools that allow managers to apply them directly and easily.
