Value Stream Mapping
Value Stream Mapping (VSM) is a lean-management technique used to analyze, design, and improve the flow of materials and information required to bring a product or service to a customer. It involves creating a visual diagram (a 'value stream map') that depicts all the steps in a process, from raw materials to delivery, highlighting value-adding and non-value-adding activities. This helps organizations identify waste, bottlenecks, and opportunities for efficiency gains in their workflows.
Developers should learn Value Stream Mapping to optimize software delivery pipelines, reduce cycle times, and improve team productivity in DevOps or Agile environments. It's particularly useful for identifying inefficiencies in CI/CD processes, such as long wait times for code reviews or slow deployment stages, enabling data-driven improvements. By applying VSM, teams can streamline workflows, enhance collaboration, and deliver value to customers faster.