Value Stream mapping is a lean and six sigma tool used to visually understand the flow of materials and information for a given process or set of activities.  The value stream map includes both information and material or service flows that identify value added and non value added activities.  A value stream map is a fundamental tool used to lead waste reduction projects, cycle time reductions and other improvement activities.  

​  Before this powerful tool gained the name value stream map it was referred to as a material and information flow diagram or map by Toyota.

  The Value Stream is the entire set of activities that are required to design, produce and provide services or goods.  Included in every value stream is both information and material flows. When a value stream map is used you can identify both value-added and non value-added activities.  

  Value is a perception of the worth, regard, importance or usefulness of a good or service.  Value is added to services and items in three different ways: transformation, addition of some kind or subtraction of some kind.  

​  Kaikaku, sometimes called Kakushin, is a Japanese Lean term meaning radical improvement in a limited time. It is a philosophy centered around creating more value and less waste in production by implementing major changes. Innovation is key to Kaikaku, and innovating new processes, new products, new management practices, and new machines can have a huge impact on the facility as a whole.