To help you visualize things I have created a fictitious example of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich factory. OK, let’s learn how to create a current state value stream map. And for the rest, you can use a cheat sheet like I do! It’s time to create the map!

There are really only a handful of icons you will always use. So, the only way you will not be a bit intimidated (assuming you have never seen a VSM before that is) is to study a bit and practice, practice, practice. Luckily, I had some great instructors and I did quite a bit of self-study to get past my initial fears. In short, I was a bit intimidated by the whole experience. It was a bit messy, and I didn’t know what any of the little shapes and icons meant. I wondered how anyone could benefit from it. I remember the first time I saw a value stream map.

Will the process change a bit tomorrow? Sure. Instead, we are interested in how the process is performing today. We are not interested in how the process is supposed to work or was designed to work. The key to creating an excellent current state VSM is to document what you actually see with your own eyes. The challenge lies in seeing it.” -Learning to See, Lean Enterprise Institute “Whenever there is a product for a customer, there is a value stream. How to Create a Product Quantity / Product Routing Matrix.If you missed the other articles in this series, they are linked below: In this third installment of our value stream mapping series, we will discuss how to create a current state value stream map.

C value mapping