Current State Value Stream Map Template

The Current State Value Stream Map Template for Process Improvement Managers

The Current State Value Stream Map (VSM) Template provides a structured framework for teams to document and analyze a process exactly as it operates today. It enables users to visualize information flow, process flow, and lead time across every step of a system. This template serves as a foundational diagnostic tool—helping identify all forms of waste, quantify efficiency, and establish a shared, data-driven understanding of how work really happens before improvement begins.

It is designed for Lean Six Sigma practitioners, operations leaders, and cross-functional teams committed to process excellence.

Purpose

The Current State VSM captures the “as-is” condition of a process from supplier to customer. By mapping the actual workflow, teams can see how value and waste move through the system, identify process delays and variation, and calculate total lead time.

This baseline map becomes the essential starting point for any Lean improvement initiative. It allows organizations to measure progress objectively, align stakeholders, and focus improvement efforts on the areas that matter most.

Who Should Use This Template

This workspace is intended for:

• Lean Six Sigma practitioners (Green & Black Belts)

• Process Improvement Managers and Operations Leaders

• Business Analysts and Project Managers

• Product, Service, and Manufacturing Teams starting process analysis

• Cross-functional teams focused on continuous improvement

No prior experience with Lean or Miro is required. Each section is labeled and includes guidance for easy onboarding.

What’s Included

The Current State VSM Template is divided into clearly defined sections to make the mapping process intuitive and repeatable.

1. Welcome – Orientation and brief usage guide for new users.

2. Terminology – Definitions of key Lean and Six Sigma terms such as Takt Time, Cycle Time (CT), Lead Time (LT), First Pass Yield (FPY), Rolled Throughput Yield (RTY), Value-Added (VA), Non-Value-Added (NVA), and Work in Progress (WIP).

3. Legend – Standard VSM symbols including Process Box, Data Box, Inventory/WIP triangle, Delay, Kaizen Burst, and Supermarket.

4. Takt/Pitch and Scope – Used to calculate process rhythm (Takt), batch interval (Pitch), and define process boundaries before mapping.

5. Value Stream Map Framework – The central structure of the board divided into three key lanes: Information Flow, Process Flow, and Timeline.

6. Current State Map – The main workspace to capture the actual workflow, showing each process step, WIP levels, and data metrics.

7. Playground Areas – Blank spaces for experimentation, testing layouts, and practicing mapping without changing the main framework.

8. Current State Example Sheet – A completed spreadsheet that demonstrates how to record and analyze process data, including CT, FPY, WIP, and LT.

9. Current State Template Sheet – A blank version of the spreadsheet where teams can input their own real data.

10. Kaizen Backlog – A centralized area to list, prioritize, and track improvement ideas identified during mapping.

11. Action Plan and Control Plan – A space to define actions, assign ownership, set deadlines, and monitor improvement metrics.

12. FAQ and Reference Panels – Quick-access explanations that answer common questions about mapping, metrics, and Lean practices.

How to Use the Template

1. Review the Legend and Terminology sections to understand symbols and metrics.

2. Define the process scope and Takt Time using the Takt/Pitch and Scope area.

3. Build the Current State Map step by step using the symbols provided.

4. Populate Data Boxes with measured process data, including Cycle Time, Changeover Time, Uptime, FPY, and WIP.

5. Draw flow connections from Supplier to Customer, capturing both material and information movement.

6. Use the Timeline lane to record process and waiting times, and calculate total lead time.

7. Summarize your findings in the Kaizen Backlog and assign responsibilities through the Action and Control Plan.

Output

When completed, this template provides a full visual representation of your process flow from Supplier to Customer. It highlights key process metrics such as total lead time, cycle time distribution, and process efficiency. The result is a single-page current state snapshot that aligns teams and identifies improvement opportunities for the next phase of Lean transformation.

Recommended Data Fields

Each process box and data entry area should include the following measurable attributes:

• Cycle Time (CT)

• Changeover or Setup Time (C/O)

• Uptime or Availability (%)

• First Pass Yield (FPY)

• Work in Progress (WIP) quantity or duration

• Wait or Queue Time

• Information Flow Type (manual or electronic)

Benefits

• Creates a visual baseline for improvement

• Promotes a shared understanding of the current process

• Identifies waste, bottlenecks, and delays

• Builds a foundation for measurable Lean and Six Sigma projects

• Enables fact-based decision-making

Maintenance

This map should be updated regularly to reflect process changes, new metrics, or implemented improvements. It is recommended to review and refresh the current state quarterly or after each major Kaizen event.

FAQ

Who can benefit from this template?

Operations teams, Lean practitioners, business analysts, and any team responsible for analyzing or improving process performance.

What problem does it solve?

It provides a structured and visual method to capture real process data, helping teams understand how value flows and where waste occurs.

How often should it be updated?

Update the map whenever a process, tool, or step changes. A living map ensures the team always works from an accurate current state