ABSTRACT
An important concept in continuous improvement is realizing the progression from baseline to entitlement to benchmark performance. During the baseline phase, create a project charter, which outlines the Lean initiative, baseline data, and target condition including the executive sponsor or champion and the pilot team. This chapter explores how value stream mapping (VSM) leverages the concept in evaluating current state, brainstorming ideal state and future state to determine what improvements should and can be made. The VSM is one of the tools that crosses the steps of the Baseline, assess, suggest solutions, implement, check, and sustain (BASICS) model and is included as a tool in Check in the BASICS model. The VSM is much more powerful than a flow chart and has been successfully applied across many types of business, such as manufacturing on the shop floor, to office settings, in health care, and government processes.
