In value stream mapping, who defines value at the outset?

In value stream mapping, who defines value at the outset?

• A. The customer defines value
• B. The company defines value
• C. The engineer defines value
• D. The supplier defines value

Answer: (A)

Value in value stream mapping is defined by the customer—the thing the product or service should do for them and what they are willing to pay for. This customer-centered definition guides which steps in the process truly add value and which are waste. The company, engineers, or suppliers can influence how that value is delivered, but they don’t define what counts as value. Once value is defined from the customer’s viewpoint, you map the current state to see where you’re meeting that value efficiently and where you’re not, then design a future state that delivers that value more quickly and with less waste.

Value in value stream mapping is defined by the customer—the thing the product or service should do for them and what they are willing to pay for. This customer-centered definition guides which steps in the process truly add value and which are waste. The company, engineers, or suppliers can influence how that value is delivered, but they don’t define what counts as value. Once value is defined from the customer’s viewpoint, you map the current state to see where you’re meeting that value efficiently and where you’re not, then design a future state that delivers that value more quickly and with less waste.