How does a Value Stream Mapping Workshop work?
| Sessions | Duration | Date | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Workshop Planning | It varies. Ex: 2 sessions of 45 min + interviews | Week Before | Define improvement needs, goals, benefits, and next steps |
| Current State Value Stream Mapping | 1h30min | Monday | Find and measure key constraints |
| Dependency Mapping | 1h30min | Tuesday | Connect constraints to dependencies |
| Future State Value Stream Mapping | 1h30min | Wednesday | Design improved flow |
| Improvement Roadmap | 1h30min | Thursday | Create and plot clear next steps |
| Final Briefing | 30min | Friday | Share workshop findings, create buy-in |
| Follow-up | 30min every 2 weeks | Following 3 months | Measure progress, adjust, remove blockages |
Planning
We work together to define improvement needs, goals, benefits, participants, and next steps.
It includes conducting interviews, defining the scope of the workshop and aligning with current ongoing initiatives.
I use a template for this part, here it is: VSM Planning Template.
Current State Mapping
Map the main processes required to deliver value to the customer, measure the work and wait time, and find the constraint slowing us down.
Note: Typically, teams are pretty good at improving their own processes and know where the bottlenecks are. It’s where there are dependencies with other teams that it becomes challenging to improve.
Dependency Mapping
Identify dependencies and contributing factors for the constraint. Build a case for collaboration, why it benefits the customer and the company.
Future State Mapping
Identify sources of waste in the value stream and redesign it for reduced waste and improved flow.
Sources of Waste: Defects, Waiting, Handoffs, Non-Utilized Talent, etc.
Improvement Roadmap
Sequence improvement actions into a roadmap based on importance and feasibility, with progress measures and owners.
Final Presentation
The team shares what they have learned with a wider stakeholder audience. This is a great opportunity to get buy-in for the upcoming improvements.
Follow-Up Period
After the workshop we measure progress against the metrics set by the team, discuss blockers and changes to the plan.
Inspiration
This approach is heavily inspired by Karen Martin and Mike Osterling’s Value Stream Mapping book, and Steve Pereira and Andrew Davis’s Flow Engineering book.