Value Stream Mapping (VSM)
Do you run from one bottleneck to the next without seeing the full picture?
Learn to map the value stream from customer order to delivery. Identify waste, bottlenecks, and improvement potential that actually moves the needle.
Format: 1-day classroom with Lego simulation.
Next course: 20 May (Oslo).
Interested in in-house training?
Who is this for?
This course is for you if you:
- Can see that things take time, but don't know where the time actually goes.
- Are responsible for flow, lead time, or delivery performance, but lack the full picture.
- Work with improvement, but don't know where to start for maximum impact.
- Want to understand the connection between activities, waiting time, and customer value, without getting lost in the details.
- Lead teams working in silos, and need a shared view of the entire flow.
"A bad process will beat a good person every time." — W. Edwards Deming
It is not the people. It is the flow. And value stream mapping shows you exactly where it breaks down.
What will you get out of this?
- Map the entire value stream from customer order to delivery using a practical approach to value stream mapping.
- Identify waste, bottlenecks, and unnecessary waiting time in the process.
- Calculate key metrics such as profit, quality, delivery performance, lead time, cycle time, and flow efficiency.
- Test Lean solutions in practice with a Lego simulation and see measurable improvement results.
- Transfer the knowledge to your own processes: what is your next step after the course?
What participants say
"Very good at creating a positive atmosphere and driving participation from all attendees."
Juan Pablo Montoya, Supply Chain & Automation Manager
"Practical, real-life cases, clear and easy to understand how to apply it in your own job."
Course participant, Process mapping
"Great mix of theory and practice. Fun to try out what you have learned."
Course participant, VSM course
Agenda
Agenda for the course day
- Introduction and practical information.
- Lego simulation round 1, and measurement of key metrics (KPIs).
- Select countermeasures and quantify effects in simulation round 2.
- Shared understanding of problem and value stream:
- Understand the problem and current state.
- Set clear targets.
- Map the value stream to understand the full picture and identify bottlenecks.
- Introduction to Lean solutions:
- Single-piece flow versus batch.
- Quick changeover & standardisation.
- Takt & balancing and flexible staffing.
- 5S & Lean layout.
- Visual management.
- Select solutions and measure the effect in simulation round 3.
- Summary and learning.
Hands-on exercises with Lego
We use Lean principles and solutions to improve a Lego manufacturing process.
The game was developed by John Bicheno at the Lean Enterprise Research Centre at Cardiff Business School, and later refined by Joakim Hillberg at Revere in Sweden.
The game is used in multiple countries by companies, universities, and consultants to build practical experience and understanding of Lean principles.
Value stream in practice
We carry out a simple value stream mapping exercise you can replicate for your own process.
- Draw the current state: activities, flow, and handoffs.
- Distinguish value-adding from non-value-adding time.
- Identify bottlenecks and waste that affect lead time.
- Define the desired improvement (target state) before selecting countermeasures.
Lean solutions
You get examples of solutions that often deliver quick impact on flow, and when they work best.
- 5S and standardisation.
- Flow and balancing.
- Pull and simple Kanban.
- Faster changeover.
- Error-proofing (Poka Yoke).
Practical information
Courses can be arranged on request and customized to your business needs.
Your own data can be used in examples and exercises.
Open courses are arranged according to the Course Calendar.
You can start e-learning when you want. You have access for a year and unlimited attempts to successfully complete multiple-choice exam.
Lunch, refreshments, and drinks during classroom training are included, and you receive a course completion certificate.
Location
Course location varies; check "Place" in Course Calendar.
Lean Tech is located at Kristoffer Robins vei 13 (0978 Oslo) and organizes courses here.
We have an agreement with Thon Hotels and organize courses in other locations as needed.
Registration
Instructor
Sissel Pedersen Lundeby is IASSC (International association for Six Sigma certification) accredited trainer associate:
"This accreditation publically reflects that you have met the standards established by IASSC such that those who participate in a training program led by you can expect to receive an acceptable level of knowledge..."
Sissel has a Master in Chemical Engineering and more than 20 years' experience within manufacturing and environmental technology. She has practiced Lean Six Sigma since 2002, completing Black Belt projects and certification through Cytec (2004) and IASSC (2017).
She use Lean Six Sigma to create measurable results and want her course participants to be successful improving their processes. That's why her training focus on practical application.
Feedback
"Inspiring, professionally competent, popularize a theoretical discipline"
Espen Fjeld, Commercial Director at Berendsen
"Academic highly skilled and clear performance. Fun and builds trust"
Jon Sørensen, Production Manager at Berendsen
"10/10 good at reaching everyone"
Erlend Stene, Sales leader at Berendsen
"Clear and well presented. Good at asking questions and listen (check understanding)"
Morten Bodding, Production Manager at Berendsen
"Made a difference, engaged and skilled"
- Participant from EWOS
"You are inspiring, positive and professionally skilled"
- Participant from EWOS
Anonymous feedback:
"Clear presentations and well explained"
"I thought it was very rich, with good examples that made me reflect"
Do I need prior knowledge of Lean?
No. The course is designed for anyone who wants to understand flow and identify improvement potential, regardless of experience. We start with the fundamentals of Lean and build knowledge through hands-on experience in the Lego simulation.
Is this a traditional VSM course with all the symbols and detail levels?
No. This is a practical, results-focused approach to value stream mapping. You learn to map the full flow, identify waste, quantify improvement potential using flow efficiency, and improve with Lean solutions. The goal is to understand the big picture and get started with improvement, not to get bogged down in detail.
What is the difference between value stream mapping and process mapping?
Process mapping shows activities and sequence. Value stream mapping shows the entire flow, including cycle time, inventory, lead time, and flow efficiency (the proportion of value-adding activity). It gives you the overview you need to improve the whole value stream, not just individual sub-processes.
What is the difference between Value Stream Mapping, the Lean course and Yellow Belt?
The course day is identical — all three courses use the Lego simulation to learn Lean and structured problem solving in practice.
Value Stream Mapping is the best fit if you are primarily interested in the practical course day.
The Lean course additionally includes two online sessions covering operational control and continuous improvement — the tools and habits that make Lean last in your own organisation.
Yellow Belt additionally includes two online sessions where you work on a real problem from your own organisation with personal coaching. Complete the problem-solving process and you receive a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification.
Will this work for my industry?
Yes. Value stream mapping works in any industry where you have a process from A to B, such as manufacturing, healthcare, construction, the public sector, logistics, and customer service. The method is about flow, not products.
What is included in the price?
1-day classroom, course materials, Lego simulation, lunch, and course certificate.
Can I use this even if I am not a manager?
Yes. Many participants are specialists, operators, technicians, project managers, and team members without managerial responsibility. All you need is access to a process you want to improve and a willingness to see the full picture.
Is the course delivered in English?
The course is normally delivered in Norwegian, but most Norwegian participants are comfortable attending in English. If you prefer English, please add a comment when you register. We will confirm with the other participants and get back to you — this is usually straightforward to arrange.
Assignments
Contact info
Lean Tech AS | Kristoffer Robins vei 13
0047 481 23 070
Oslo, Norway
Lean
L - Look for solutions
E – Enthusiastic
A – Analytical
N - Never give up