Value Stream Mapping vs. Process Mapping: What's the Difference?
Jun 27
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In the world of continuous improvement, the terms Value Stream Mapping (VSM) and Process Mapping often get used interchangeably. While both are essential tools for understanding and improving workflows, they serve different purposes and provide different levels of insight.
If you're just beginning your Lean journey or trying to decide which tool to use for your next project, understanding these differences will help you choose the right map for the job.
What Is Process Mapping?
Process Mapping is a visual representation of the steps in a specific process. Think of it as a flowchart that shows what happens, step by step, from start to finish.
🧩 Purpose:
To break down and document how a particular task or workflow is performed.
To analyze steps for efficiency, standardization, and error reduction.
🧰 Common Uses:
SOP development
Training materials
Identifying bottlenecks in a routine process
📌 Key Characteristics:
Focuses on one process
Includes detailed steps, decisions, loops
Often used in quality audits or ISO documentation
Example:
Mapping the steps of invoice processing: from receiving the invoice, verifying it, entering into the accounting system, to issuing payment.
What Is Value Stream Mapping?
Value Stream Mapping (VSM) is a Lean management tool used to visualize the entire value stream—the sequence of activities (both value-adding and non-value-adding) required to deliver a product or service.
Purpose:
To analyze flow of materials and information.
To identify and eliminate waste (TIMWOODS) across the system.
🔧 Common Uses:
Strategic improvement projects
Identifying delays and handoff inefficiencies
Facilitating Lean transformations
Key Characteristics:
Shows the big picture: start to finish across departments
Includes both information and material flow
Adds time metrics, such as lead time, processing time, and waiting time
Example:
Mapping the value stream of order fulfillment: from customer order intake through picking, packing, shipping, and invoicing.
Key Differences at a Glance
Feature | Process Mapping | Value Stream Mapping |
Scope | Single process | End-to-end value stream |
Focus | Task-level detail | Flow of value + systemic waste |
Users | Process owners, Quality teams | Lean practitioners, leadership |
Includes Information Flow? | Rarely | Yes |
Time Metrics Included? | Sometimes (cycle time) | Always (cycle, lead time, waiting) |
Goal | Document and standardize | Optimize flow and reduce waste |
When to Use Which?
✅ Use Process Mapping when:
You’re developing training materials
You need to document or audit an SOP
You're focusing on one department or task
✅ Use Value Stream Mapping when:
You’re running a Lean improvement project
You want to analyze handoffs across functions
You aim to identify system-wide waste or delays
Final Thoughts
Both Value Stream Mapping and Process Mapping are essential tools in your continuous improvement toolbox. While they complement each other, they serve different purposes and zoom levels. VSM gives you the drone view of your process landscape, while process mapping hands you a magnifying glass.
Start by asking yourself: Am I fixing a task, or transforming a system?
The answer will guide you to the right map—and help you drive meaningful change.
