Value Stream Mapping (VSM) is a lean management method used to analyze, design, and manage the flow of materials and information required to bring a product or service to a customer. It's a visual tool that helps organizations:

• Identify value-adding and non-value-adding activities in a process
• Document the current state of a workflow
• Design an improved future state with less waste
• Implement changes systematically

VSM typically uses standardized symbols to represent different elements like inventory, information flow, and process steps. By mapping the entire value stream, organizations can see bottlenecks, delays, and waste that might otherwise remain hidden, allowing them to make targeted improvements that enhance overall efficiency and customer value.