2. Mapping the existing

2.1 Position process steps and information flows

Value Stream Mapping for product development differs from traditional Value Stream Mapping in that the process deals primarily with information, rather than physical products. To map the process effectively, we recommend that you ask yourself the following questions for each step in the process: "What happens next? (direction of information flow), or "Where does this item come from?

Rely on observations and interviews with the stakeholders in the process to be mapped. Meet the producers of the information created throughout the process, to gather as much tangible documentation/data as possible. Also consider exploiting existing data such as final report submission dates, test dates, databases summarizing working...