Chapter 9: Mapping the Future State (VSM Step 6)

In the previous chapter, you learned how to map the current state, perform a Lean office assessment, and observe and record critical Lean metrics for the value stream. You also learned how to document important information relevant to the flow of work and information across the value stream. Most importantly, you learned how to visualize work and information flows from the perspective of Lean.

The work that's been performed in the current VS mapping exercise is documentary in nature. It does not involve much imagination – just accuracy in discovery (through Gemba walks), recording, and mapping. Now, we will enter the creative phase of Lean value stream mapping and design an improved future state. Future state mapping occurs in three sequential phases to help evaluate methods and improve the value stream's ability to meet customer demands, establish and maintain continuous flows, and level the distribution of customer...