Value Stream Mapping:

Value Stream Map is a visual documentation of the process flow, both material and information flows. It is used to provide a snapshot of the "Present State" of manufacturing process. Producing this present state flow diagram will help identify all of the value adding and non-value adding steps within your process. Once this present state map is completed, a company will clearly see where the opportunities are for eliminating the non-value adding steps. The "Future State" Map of a process is then created showing the improved, streamlined flow. Using this method will allow a company to look at the "Big Picture" of a manufacturing process. Value Stream Mapping doesn't require any special software tools; everything should be drawn by hand and in pencil.