Value Stream Mapping (VSM) Review Checklist
Evaluate how effectively a process or value stream has been mapped, analyzed, and improved to eliminate waste, reduce lead time, and increase customer value. This checklist is suitable for Lean improvement projects, process reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives. By regularly using this checklist, organizations can ensure that their value stream mapping efforts are thorough, data-driven, and focused on identifying practical improvement opportunities.
This checklist template is designed for manufacturing, development, management, warehousing and focuses on Process Understanding and Scope, Flow and Waste Identification.
What This Template Covers
Use this template to review Process Understanding and Scope, Flow and Waste Identification with a structured format that supports consistent follow-up and faster decision-making.
- Process Understanding and Scope
- Flow and Waste Identification
Why This Version Is Different
Unlike generic templates, this version is tailored to the lean & operational excellence category, the Universal maturity level, and the workflow of manufacturing, development, management, warehousing.
Template Questions
Showing first 15 rows
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Mapping date |
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Processes / departments covered |
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Team leader |
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Participants present |
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Comments |
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Section 1 - Process Understanding & Scope |
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1. Has the value stream being reviewed been clearly defined with identified start and end points?
Clauses:
The boundaries of the process should be documented so everyone understands which activities are included in the analysis.
Recommendations:
Define the scope before mapping begins and ensure all stakeholders agree on the process boundaries.
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2. Has the customer (internal or external) and the value delivered to that customer been clearly identified?
Clauses:
The review should focus on activities that contribute to delivering value from the customer's perspective.
Recommendations:
Document customer requirements and use them to distinguish value-adding from non-value-adding activities.
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3. Have all major process steps been documented in the current-state value stream map?
Clauses:
The map should accurately reflect how work is actually performed rather than how it is assumed to operate.
Recommendations:
Observe the process directly and involve employees who perform the work daily.
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4. Have all key departments or functions participating in the value stream been included in the review?
Clauses:
Cross-functional interactions should be visible to identify delays and communication gaps.
Recommendations:
Invite representatives from all relevant departments during mapping sessions.
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Section 2 - Flow & Waste Identification |
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5. Have waiting times, queues, or process delays been identified and documented?
Clauses:
Periods where work is idle should be visible to support lead time reduction.
Recommendations:
Measure waiting times and investigate opportunities to reduce or eliminate them.
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6. Have unnecessary transportation or movement of materials, products, or information been identified?
Clauses:
Excessive movement represents waste and should be minimized where practical.
Recommendations:
Review layout and information flow to reduce unnecessary transfers.
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7. Have unnecessary manual activities, duplicate work, or excessive approvals been identified?
Clauses:
Activities that do not create customer value should be challenged and simplified.
Recommendations:
Map decision points and eliminate redundant administrative tasks where possible.
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8. Have inventory accumulation or excessive work-in-progress been evaluated as part of the value stream review?
Clauses:
Large inventories often hide underlying process problems and increase lead times.
Recommendations:
Measure inventory levels between process steps and investigate root causes.
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20 total questions
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