Description

Why is value stream mapping such an essential tool for modern IT? And what is a value stream anyway? Value stream mapping is a Lean tool that has emerged as a critical capability for organizations striving to breakdown silos, minimize waste, shorten lead and cycle times and improve flow across the IT value chain. Once thought of only in the context of manufacturing, organizations are seeing the benefits of applying value stream mapping to the activities associated with software design, development and delivery, service management, and office and administrative activities such as on boarding new customers or new employees. A value stream is the sequence of activities required to design, produce and deliver a specific product or service. Before an organization can optimize the flow of activities across a value stream, it must gain visibility into how value is created. Value stream mapping provides that visibility. Widely recognized as an invaluable tool in the DevOps and Agile communities, value streams also play an important role in the newly introduced ITIL 4.

Whenever there is customer demand there is a value stream. The challenge lies in seeing it.

Value stream mapping typically occurs in a workshop setting, where a facilitator leads and coaches a cross-functional team of stakeholders through the value stream mapping methodology and in the use of continuous improvement tools and techniques. A well-executed value stream mapping workshop can be a game changer for organizations.  But what are the characteristics of a great  facilitator? And who needs to attend? And what goes on before, during and after a successful value stream mapping event? Whether you want to learn about the mechanics of value stream mapping or how to plan and conduct Value Stream Mapping workshop (and how to avoid common pitfalls) this course is for you.  This course describes how value stream mapping is different than other continuous improvement methods, and why and how it enables organizations to significantly improve and optimize performance. The course provides a brief introduction to basic Lean concepts and then takes a deep dive into value stream mapping. Learn about the anatomy of a value stream, how to build an ‘A’ team of stakeholders to map the value stream, and how to plan and lead a value stream transformation. The course describes a step-by-step approach to preparing for and conducting a value stream mapping workshop; along with how to overcome common challenges, avoid common mistakes and produce meaningful / actionable deliverables. Class includes a series of experiential exercises designed to allow attendees to build and practice needed skills and a toolkit of invaluable checklists and templates participants can use to put those skills to work.