• All Posts
  • Vistage Updates
  • Business Startup & Entrepreneurship
  • Agile Transformations
  • Business Strategy
  • Being an Expert & Industry Leader
  • Marketing
  • Recommended Books
  • Good Health!
  • Vistage Speaker
  • Awesome Youtube Videos
  • Marketing
6 Minutes Read

Value Stream Mapping

Value stream mapping can be helpful in software development engagements, as it can be used to identify and eliminate waste and improve the flow of value-adding activities in the software development process. By creating a visual representation of the steps involved in the software development process, teams can gain a better understanding of the process and identify areas where improvements can be made. This can include identifying bottlenecks, delays, and other inefficiencies in the process. Additionally, value stream mapping can be used to identify and eliminate non-value-adding activities, such as unnecessary meetings or approvals, that do not contribute to the delivery of the final product. Overall, it can be a useful tool for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of software development teams.  

Some best practices when engaging in the value stream mapping process include:  

  • Involve cross-functional teams: Value stream mapping should involve representatives from all teams and departments involved in the process, including production, engineering, logistics, and customer service.
  • Start by understanding the current state: Begin by creating a current state map of the process, which will serve as a baseline for identifying areas for improvement.
  • Identify the value stream: Identify the specific product or service that is the focus of the value stream mapping process, and identify all the steps that are required to bring that product or service to the customer.
  • Identify and eliminate waste: Look for activities that do not add value to the process, such as waiting, overproduction, excess inventory, unnecessary motion, and defects.
  • Create a future state map: Based on the analysis of the current state map and the identification of waste, create a future state map that shows how the process could be improved.
  • Implement and sustain the improvements: Based on the future state map, develop a plan for implementing the improvements and establish a system for monitoring and sustaining the improvements over time.
  • Communicate the progress: Keep all stakeholders informed of the progress and benefits of the value stream mapping process.
  • Continuously improve: Value stream mapping should not be a one-time event, but a continuous process of improvement, review, and adaptation.


Some of the most popular value stream mapping tools use for Agile engagements...

Kanban boards: Kanban boards are a visual tool that can be used to manage and track the flow of work through a process. They can be used to map the flow of work in an Agile software development process and identify areas for improvement.

Scrum boards: Scrum boards are similar to Kanban boards, but they are specifically designed for use with Scrum, an Agile framework for software development. Scrum boards can be used to map the flow of work in a Scrum development process and identify areas for improvement.

Value Stream Mapping Software: There are also specific software tools available for value stream mapping, like Achievion, Edraw Max, and Visio. These software tools allow teams to create and edit value stream maps, track progress, and measure improvements.

Electronic Kanban: Electronic Kanban boards like Kanbanize, LeanKit and Trello, that allow teams to manage and track work items and progress electronically. These tools can be integrated with other project management and development tools, such as Jira and GitHub.

Agile project management platforms: Some Agile project management platforms, like Jira Align, Targetprocess, and AgileCraft, also have value stream mapping functionality built in, allowing teams to map their value stream within the same tool they use to manage their Agile development process.

It's worth to mention that, these tools are not mutually exclusive, and depending on the team's needs, they could use one or several tools to achieve the best results.  


The value stream mapping process should include representatives from all teams and departments that are involved in the process.  

This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Production: The team responsible for physically creating the product or service.
  • Engineering: The team responsible for designing, developing, and testing the product or service.
  • Logistics: The team responsible for managing the flow of materials, supplies, and finished products.
  • Customer Service: The team responsible for communicating with customers and addressing any issues or concerns they may have.
  • Quality: The team responsible for ensuring that the product or service meets the required standards of quality.
  • Supply Chain: The team responsible for managing the flow of materials and supplies needed to create the product or service.
  • IT: The team responsible for managing and maintaining the systems and technology that support the process.
  • Management: The team responsible for overseeing the process and making decisions about how to improve it.

It's important to involve people that have knowledge of the process and have the ability to make decisions about how to improve it. It's also good to include people that are close to the process and have a good understanding of the problems and challenges that arise.


Value Stream Mapping & OKRs

Value stream mapping can be a beneficial tool when used as part of the OKR (Objectives and Key Results) development process, as it can help identify and eliminate waste and improve the flow of value-adding activities. Some specific benefits include:


Improving efficiency and productivity: By identifying and eliminating waste in the process, value stream mapping can help increase the efficiency and productivity of the process, allowing teams to achieve more with fewer resources.

Identifying areas for improvement: By creating a visual representation of the process, value stream mapping can help teams identify areas where improvements can be made, such as bottlenecks, delays, and inefficiencies.

Prioritizing objectives: By understanding the flow of value-adding activities in the process, teams can use value stream mapping to prioritize objectives and key results that will have the greatest impact on the process.

Improved communication and collaboration: Value stream mapping can help teams better understand the process, identify areas for improvement, and work together to implement changes. This can lead to improved communication and collaboration among team members.

Better alignment with customer needs: By identifying the steps required to bring a product or service to a customer, value stream mapping can help teams ensure that their efforts are aligned with customer needs and that the process is delivering value to the customer.

Better alignment with company goals: By understanding the flow of the process, teams can use value stream mapping to identify the key results that will have the greatest impact on the company's objectives and align their efforts accordingly.

Continuous improvement: Value stream mapping should not be a one-time event, but a continuous process of improvement, review, and adaptation. This will allow teams to continuously improve the process over time, and be in line with the company's goals and objectives.


9 steps to developing a solid product delivery focused value stream map.

  • Step 1 - Define the product or service: Identify the specific product or service that is the focus of the value stream mapping process, and clearly define its characteristics and specifications.
  • Step 2 - Create a current state map: Begin by creating a visual representation of the current state of the process. This should include all the steps required to bring the product or service to the customer, including the flow of materials, information, and activities.
  • Step 3 - Identify and map the value stream: Identify all the steps in the process that add value to the product or service and map the flow of value-adding activities.
  • Step 4 - Identify and map the non-value-adding activities: Identify all the steps in the process that do not add value to the product or service and map the flow of non-value-adding activities.
  • Step 5 - Identify and analyze the waste: Identify and analyze the types of waste present in the process, such as waiting, overproduction, excess inventory, unnecessary motion, and defects.
  • Step 6 - Create a future state map: Based on the analysis of the current state map and the identification of waste, create a future state map that shows how the process could be improved.
  • Step 7 - Develop an implementation plan: Based on the future state map, develop a plan for implementing the improvements. This should include timelines, resource requirements, and a system for monitoring and sustaining the improvements over time.
  • Step 8 - Communicate the progress: Keep all stakeholders informed of the progress and benefits of the value stream mapping process.
  • Step 9  - Continuously improve: Continuously review and improve the process over time, based on feedback, performance monitoring and changing market conditions.


It's important to mention that, this process should be collaborative and involve representatives from all teams and departments that are involved in the process, including production, engineering, logistics, customer service, and management.


0 Comments

Write A Comment

*
*
Related Posts All Posts
02.20.2026

Why Brands Must Expand Digital Marketing to Boost Trustpilot and G2 Visibility

Update Understanding the Importance of Brand Visibility In today's fast-paced digital landscape, how well brands manage their online presence is a pivotal factor in achieving business success. With emerging platforms like Trustpilot and G2, enhancing visibility and managing reputation has never been more accessible yet challenging. These platforms serve as critical touchpoints for customer feedback, influencing purchasing decisions and shaping brand trust. By improving their visibility on these review platforms, businesses can foster trust among potential customers, leading to increased engagement and sales. How Reputation Marketing Can Elevate Your Brand Reputation marketing moves beyond mere brand visibility; its core mission is to build trust through authentic customer experiences. As noted, traditional advertising methods can often backfire, leading consumers to disengage from brands they view as overbearing or disingenuous. Statistics indicate that a staggering 52% of consumers report negative feelings toward brands due to overexposure to ads. Instead, businesses can embrace reputation marketing strategies that leverage user-generated content and reviews, creating authentic narratives that resonate deeply with potential customers. Engagement Strategies: The Power of Storytelling At the heart of successful reputation marketing is effective storytelling. Brands can significantly enhance their visibility by sharing compelling stories that connect emotionally with their audiences. Utilizing platforms where customers can share their experiences enables businesses to cultivate a narrative that reflects their brand values. This strategy mirrors insights from industry leaders who emphasize that storytelling makes brands memorable—messages presented as stories can be 22 times more memorable than traditional facts. Engaging storytelling fosters genuine connections, driving brand loyalty and trust. The Role of SEO and Avoiding Keyword Cannibalization SEO plays a vital role in driving organic traffic to brand pages, particularly on platforms like G2. Optimizing content for search engines involves careful keyword management to avoid cannibalization, which can dilute a brand's online presence. By focusing on user intent and leveraging relevant keywords naturally, brands can improve their search rankings. However, businesses must tread carefully; overstuffing content with keywords can lead to penalties and reduced credibility. It's crucial to craft quality content that aligns positively with user experiences and expectations. Leveraging Digital Marketing for Authentic Engagement As digital marketing evolves, companies are increasingly moving toward engagement strategies that prioritize authenticity over aggressive tactics. Tactics such as guerilla marketing can effectively capture attention without disrupting potential customers. Companies such as Red Bull provide powerful examples of how impactful campaigns rooted in real experiences can create lasting visibility. Such strategies leverage the power of creativity and innovation, allowing brands to stand out in crowded marketplaces by promoting authenticity. Practical Tips for Improving G2 Visibility To further enhance visibility on G2, companies should ensure that their profiles are not merely promotional but provide value through informative, detailed descriptions of their products and services. Maintaining an active presence by engaging with user-generated content and utilizing G2 badges can also dramatically enhance brand credibility. Research shows that 92% of consumers are more likely to trust brands that have displayed trust logos on their sites. By regularly optimizing listings, businesses can promote ongoing customer engagement and foster a sense of community. Taking Action: Building a Trusted Brand As the digital space continues to evolve, understanding how to manage brand visibility and reputation is essential for long-term success. Businesses must commit to creating authentic narratives, prioritizing customer engagement, and optimizing online presence to maximize their chances of success. With tools and platforms like Trustpilot and G2, companies are well-positioned to build trust with consumers and enhance their visibility. By investing in reputation marketing strategies, brands can not only improve their standing among competitors but also secure loyal customer bases willing to advocate on their behalf. To take control of your brand's visibility and reputation, consider making the necessary changes to your digital marketing strategy today. Engaging in reputation marketing can set your brand apart, leading to remarkable improvements in customer trust and loyalty.
02.13.2026

Why Reputation Marketing is Vital for Today's Business Leaders

Update Reputation: The Unseen Threat to Marketing Leaders In a rapidly evolving business landscape, reputational management has emerged as a crucial battleground for marketing leaders, especially CMOs, founders, and CEOs. With mounting economic pressures—including tighter budgets and increasing demands for accountability—brand reputation is transitioning from a supplemental aspect of marketing to a core business asset. In 2026, visibility isn't merely about ego; it's an integral structure that supports strategic positioning. Why Reputation Matters More Than Ever The importance of reputation cannot be overstated. Current data indicates only a third of CMOs expect budget growth, making it imperative for leaders to leverage their reputations to enhance brand visibility and appeal. The trend towards in-house agency operations—over 80% of major advertisers are utilizing internal teams—further aggravates the situation, leading to less cohesive public narratives. As the industry becomes increasingly fragmented, traditional external agencies face consolidation, shrinking their role in crafting the brand narrative. Marketing leaders must recognize that silence in the public arena can be interpreted as absence or incompetence, potentially undermining trust and authority. The Role of Live Events in Reputation Building Prestigious events, such as the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, serve as crucial touchpoints for reputation formation in the marketing sphere. Gathering over 12,000 senior leaders, these events are vital not only for networking but for establishing a collective industry vision. The expansion of the festival into areas like culture and technology reflects the interconnectedness of brand influence across mediums, requiring leaders to articulate their viewpoints effectively. In 2026, these gatherings are not just about showcasing creativity but play a pivotal role in shaping the reputational landscape. Leaders now need to be adept at navigating public discourse around intersections of sports, entertainment, and technology. Preparing for a Reputation-Driven Future Unfortunately, many leaders are ill-equipped to manage their reputations proactively. Most have been trained in operational roles, lacking the skills to communicate their authority and vision effectively. This creates a disconnect where leaders miss opportunities to build what McKinsey describes as "durable reputation equity." Instead of relying on outdated PR tactics, leaders should take a strategic approach to their public presence, ensuring their narratives align with marketplace realities. The Social Dynamics of Reputation Management Edelman’s Trust Barometer reveals a significant disconnect; people tend to trust individuals more than corporate messaging. Yet, many executives continue to dissociate their personal brand from their corporate identity, leading to losses in trust and visibility. In the digital age, silence does not infer humility—it signals a lack of engagement. This is a critical moment for leaders to understand that cultivating their public image is not superficial; it reflects their commitment to transparency and relevance. Strategic Insights for Leadership Visibility For marketing leaders, the challenge is plain: they must define where and how to display their authority. Developing a clear plan for visibility requires specialized knowledge, not just side projects. This strategic positioning is about making deliberate choices regarding public engagements that resonate with target audiences, ultimately reinforcing brand reliability. In this landscape, leaders have the opportunity to cultivate their reputation with intent and precision. When approached thoughtfully, reputation becomes not merely a security blanket but a launchpad for brand authority and engagement. The Future of Reputation in Business As we look to the future, the demand for authentic leadership—those who are engaged, visible, and relatable—will grow. In an environment increasingly influenced by public opinion, the ability to communicate vision and authority effectively will differentiate successful leaders from those who falter. Marketing executives must embrace their roles not just as decision-makers but as representatives of brand integrity in the public realm. To thrive in this evolving landscape, marketing leaders must actively engage with their audiences, construct meaningful narratives, and understand the intricacies of reputation management.
02.04.2026

Navigating Canadian Markets: TSX Gains as Tech Surges, Energy Falls

Update The Current State of Canadian Markets: A Mixed Bag The Canadian stock market is currently demonstrating a mixture of resilience and anxiety as the TSX has rebounded from previous losses, primarily spurred by a surge in technology stocks while energy sectors face decline. Globally, markets are experiencing volatility, with recent commodity price drops creating an undercurrent of concern among investors. Sector Performance: Technology vs. Energy Investors are witnessing a notable juxtaposition between the technology sector's robust performance and the weakening energy stocks. According to industry reports, tech-led gains have cushioned the market against energy losses spurred by slumping oil prices, down by 5% due to geopolitical developments between the U.S. and Iran. This reflects a broader trend where investors are repositioning away from traditional energy stocks toward technology and sustainable energy, which are seen as more resilient and forward-looking investments. Analyst Insights: Who’s Up, Who’s Down? Recent analyst upgrades and downgrades provide key insights into investor sentiment. For instance, notable additions to stock picks include top contenders like Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) and Centerra Gold, while companies like Celestica and Empire Company have been removed from the consideration list. Such moves highlight the shifting dynamics as investors evaluate stocks based on their potential for growth amid current market conditions. Identifying Overbought and Oversold Stocks Investors looking for stock opportunities should pay attention to those identified as overbought and oversold in the TSX. Understanding these dynamics can provide both caution and opportunities. Stocks with upward momentum may present a risk of pullbacks, while those that appear oversold could offer recovery potential. The importance of recognizing these trends cannot be overstated, especially in the current climate where price swings are frequent. Strategies for Investors: Exploring Safe Havens Given the choppy market conditions, many experts advocate embracing a broader approach to navigating safe havens. For Canadian investors, this might mean diversifying away from conventional commodities and leaning towards sectors such as defense and essential consumer goods, or sectors like biotechnology, which are increasingly becoming attractive due to their growth potentials amid technological advancements. Global Perspectives: The Geopolitical Landscape The market's reaction isn’t just a local phenomenon; it reflects broader geopolitical tensions and uncertainties, particularly around energy supplies stemming from Middle Eastern relations. For investors, geopolitical stability—or the lack thereof—continually shapes market sentiment, making it essential to stay informed about global trends. This also highlights the risk factors associated with investing heavily in sectors linked closely to global politics. Final Thoughts: Navigating the Market Landscape As the financial landscape continues to evolve, investors are presented with both challenges and opportunities. With a cautious approach that combines insights from market analysts and trends in sector performance, investors can position themselves strategically to enhance their portfolios. Understanding the current dynamics—in which technology is on the rise while traditional energy faces headwinds—will be essential for navigating these turbulent market waters. Ultimately, fostering a balanced and diversified portfolio, alongside staying abreast of developments in reputation marketing strategies, will be key factors in ensuring sustained success in investing. Hip to seek out firm strategies that also leverage marketing insights can bolster investor confidence and position businesses favorably within their competitive landscapes.

Terms of Service

Privacy Policy

Core Modal Title

Sorry, no results found

You Might Find These Articles Interesting

T
Please Check Your Email
We Will Be Following Up Shortly
*
*
*