Question

When mapping a workflow, which specific tool is required to visually distinguish between time spent adding value to the customer and time spent on non-value-added activities?

Accepted Answer

The specific tool required to visually distinguish between value-added and non-value-added time is the value stream map, which is a visual representation of the flow of materials and information required to bring a product or service to a consumer. To highlight these differences, the map incorporates a timeline often called a value-added staircase. This timeline appears at the bottom of the map and uses a stepped line to contrast value-added time, where the line moves up to represent active work that transforms the product, with non-value-added time, where the line remains flat to represent delays, wait times, or excess inventory. Think of this like a runner’s heart rate monitor: the peaks show the intense effort that actually moves the runner toward the finish line, while the flat plateaus represent the time spent standing still at a water station. By looking at this timeline, you can immediately identify how much total time is consumed by waste versus how much time is actually spent creating something the customer is willing to pay for.

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When mapping a workflow, which specific tool is required to visually distinguish between time spent adding value to the customer and time spent on non-value-added activities?

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