Beginning the map

So far, you have performed the following steps to prepare for the current state mapping exercise:

• Determined customer needs and priorities
• Put a value stream mapping plan together
• Assigned roles and responsibilities
• Conducted information-gathering Gemba walks
• Developed a rough pre-draft of the current state map

Now, it’s time to use this information to put our current state value stream map together. Again, use a large whiteboard or poster board for this purpose, and use erasable markers or pencils, as the case may be, so that you can correct any errors or omissions. Again, you can use a software tool to create your maps, but make sure you have a large enough screen for everyone to gather around and see.

While digital VSM mapping tools make better-looking and easier-to-read drawings, they can also slow the mapping process down, though some tools are easier to use than others. It may make more sense to create a manual drawing...