How do you map value streams across multiple business units or domains?

1 Identify the value proposition

The first step is to identify the value proposition that your business delivers to your customers or stakeholders. This is the core purpose and benefit of your business, and it should align with your strategic goals and vision. The value proposition should be clear, concise, and compelling, and it should answer the question: why do customers or stakeholders choose your business over others? You can use tools such as the value proposition canvas or the business model canvas to articulate your value proposition and how it relates to your customer segments and value drivers.

2 Define the value stream scope

The next step is to define the scope of the value stream that you want to map. This means deciding which units or domains are involved in delivering the value proposition, and how they interact with each other and with external parties. You can use tools such as the business capability map or the business domain model to identify the key capabilities or domains that your business needs to perform the value stream, and how they are organized and related. You can also use tools such as the stakeholder map or the ecosystem map to identify the external parties that influence or are influenced by your value stream, and how they are connected and engaged.

3 Map the value stream stages

The third step is to map the value stream stages, which are the high-level phases or milestones that your value stream goes through from start to finish. You can use tools such as the value stream map or the customer journey map to visualize the value stream stages and how they deliver value to your customers or stakeholders. You should also map the inputs and outputs, the triggers and enablers, the roles and responsibilities, and the metrics and indicators for each stage. You should also identify the pain points, gaps, and opportunities for improvement along the value stream.

4 Map the value stream activities

The fourth step is to map the value stream activities, which are the detailed tasks or actions that each unit or domain performs within each stage. You can use tools such as the process map or the activity diagram to visualize the value stream activities and how they flow and interact with each other and with other units or domains. You should also map the resources, rules, standards, and controls that support or constrain each activity. You should also identify the waste, variation, and risk that affect each activity.

5 Validate and refine the value stream map

The fifth step is to validate and refine the value stream map, which means checking the accuracy, completeness, and relevance of the information and insights that you have gathered and generated. You can use tools such as the SWOT analysis or the PESTEL analysis to assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of your value stream, and how it is influenced by the external environment. You can also use tools such as the feedback loop or the validation board to test and verify your assumptions and hypotheses with your customers, stakeholders, and other units or domains. You should also revise and update your value stream map based on the feedback and findings that you receive.

6 Communicate and implement the value stream map

The sixth and final step is to communicate and implement the value stream map, which means sharing and applying the knowledge and recommendations that you have derived from your value stream analysis. You can use tools such as the storyboard or the roadmap to communicate your value stream vision and strategy, and how it aligns with your business goals and values. You can also use tools such as the action plan or the change management plan to implement your value stream improvements and changes, and how to monitor and measure their impact and outcomes.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?