Value Stream Mapping
Value Stream Mapping (VSM) is a lean management technique for visualizing and analyzing the flow of materials and information required to deliver a product or service to customers.
Purpose
VSM helps organizations:
- Identify waste and bottlenecks in processes
- Understand the current state of work flow
- Design improved future states
- Focus improvement efforts on high-impact areas
VSM as AI Force Multiplier
According to DORA’s 2025 research, Value Stream Mapping acts as a force multiplier for AI investments:
- Systems-level view: Ensures AI is applied to the right problems
- Focused improvements: Identifies where AI can have greatest impact
- Prevents chaos: Stops localized productivity gains from creating downstream bottlenecks
- Organizational advantage: Turns individual gains into system-wide improvements
Without VSM, AI adoption risks creating more work downstream or optimizing the wrong parts of the system.
Key Components
A value stream map typically shows:
- Process steps
- Information flow
- Material flow
- Wait times and delays
- Value-added vs. non-value-added activities
- Lead time and cycle time
Related Concepts
- [[Theory of Constraints]] — focusing on bottlenecks
- [[AI Adoption]]
- [[Platform Engineering]]
- [[Engineering Strategy]]
- [[DORA]]
Source: [[State of AI-assisted Software Development 2025 (DORA Report)]]
Linked References
- [[Goals-Signals-Metrics (GSM) Model]]
A three-step methodology for translating abstract objectives into measurable outcomes: Goals → …
- [[HEART Framework]]
A user-centered methodology that measures UX quality through five key metrics: Happiness, …
- [[RICE Framework]]
A prioritization framework for evaluating features and projects using Reach, Impact, Confidence, and …
- [[Theory of Constraints]]
A system is only as strong as its weakest point. Focus on the bottleneck and optimize the entire …
- [[Decision Document Framework by Arnav Kumar]]
Arnav Kumar’s framework for writing comprehensive decision documents to get faster approvals.
- [[Platform Engineering]]
Building internal platforms as products to improve developer experience and productivity.
- [[State of AI-assisted Software Development 2025 (DORA Report)]]
DORA’s 2025 research on AI’s impact on software development, revealing AI as an …