6.2 Introduction

Lean management is a methodology and philosophy for eliminating waste and streamlining process flows.

In order to improve a process, you first must gain a concrete understanding of what the process looks like and exactly how it operates. Think of it this way—you really don’t understand what the engine of a car is or does until you pop open the hood and investigate! Once you see the different parts and how they are interconnected, the mechanics of the engine start to make more sense.

Value stream mapping is the tool for achieving this process knowledge and understanding. Value stream mapping helps managers gain a true appreciation of how materials and information flow through the various steps of a process. It visualizes how process workstations are connected and how they communicate with one another. Value stream mapping does not stop at the four walls of the firm; it also depicts supplier and customer interactions.