Value stream mapping.

Lean Enterprise Institute. (n.d.). Value stream mapping. https://www.lean.org/lexicon/value-stream-mapping/

This lexicon entry from the Lean Enterprise Institute defines and explains the concept of Value Stream Mapping (VSM). VSM is described as a visual tool used to map the flow of materials and information required to bring a product or service to a customer. The resource outlines the process of creating both "current state" and "future state" maps to identify waste and design more efficient processes. The article emphasizes that VSM is a strategic tool that looks at the entire system rather than individual steps, enabling leaders to see where value is being added and where it is being lost. This is a critical methodology for any organization undergoing a Lean transformation.