Value Stream Mapping (VSM)

Last updated 2026.02.13
VSMValue Stream Mapping가치흐름도린제조Lean Manufacturing프로세스 개선Process Improvement제조 AIManufacturing AI프로세스 마이닝

Definition

Value Stream Mapping (VSM) is a lean management method that visualizes the entire process from raw materials to customer delivery, identifying waste and driving improvement. Also known as material- and information-flow mapping, it displays both material flow and information flow in a single visual map, quantifying time and volume at each stage.

Application in Manufacturing

Shop Floor Improvement Tool

  • Current State Map: Documenting all processes from material receiving to finished goods shipping
  • Future State Map: Designing target processes after waste elimination
  • Displaying key metrics such as lead time, cycle time, and work-in-process inventory for each operation

Production Floor Examples

Applying VSM to an assembly line clearly identifies the seven wastes (Muda): waiting time, excess inventory, and unnecessary movement. For instance, when a parts inspection process visualizes a 3-day waiting period, it immediately becomes a target for improvement.

Integration with Manufacturing AI

Recent developments combine AI-based process mining with VSM for real-time value stream monitoring:

  • Automatic extraction of actual flows from MES/ERP data
  • Machine learning prediction of bottleneck processes and optimal flow recommendations
  • Future state simulation in digital twin environments

Key Takeaways

  • Visualization: Understanding complex processes at a glance
  • Quantification: Measuring improvement effects with numbers
  • Team Collaboration: Multi-department problem recognition and solving
  • Continuous Improvement: VSM as an iterative tool, not a one-time exercise