Value stream mapping examples to elevate your processes

Ever feel like your processes are stuck in the slow lane, no matter how much you tweak them? That’s where value stream mapping (VSM) comes in. It’s a simple but powerful way to visualize workflows, identify bottlenecks, and unlock efficiencies you didn’t know were possible. But don’t just take our word for it—this article will show you real-world value stream mapping examples, share templates you can start using today, and help you see how Miro’s innovation workspace can simplify the whole process.

What is value stream mapping?

Before we dive into VSM examples, let’s quickly cover the basics: What is VSM, and why does it matter?

Value stream mapping is a visual tool that helps teams document, analyze, and improve the flow of information, materials, and tasks required to deliver a product or service. By creating a clear picture of every step in your workflow, it becomes easier to identify inefficiencies, reduce waste, and add value at every stage.

Why should you care about VSM?

• Identify bottlenecks: Spot the areas where delays, errors, or inefficiencies are holding you back.

• Improve collaboration: Visualizing your processes makes it easier for your entire team to stay aligned.

• Optimize performance: Streamlining workflows can reduce costs and boost productivity.

How does it work?

VSM starts by mapping out your current process, step by step. This is often called the "current state map." Then, you identify areas for improvement and create a "future state map" that shows your optimized process. With this visual comparison, you can see exactly where and how to make meaningful changes.

Whether you’re a small startup or a large enterprise, value stream mapping is a flexible tool that can scale to fit your needs. And with Miro, creating and collaborating on your VSM is easier than ever.

A value stream mapping example in action

Let’s bring VSM to life with a simple example. Imagine a software development team working to improve their release cycle. They start by using Miro’s value stream mapping template to map out their process. The template provides a pre-designed framework to help teams visually document each step of their workflow, including tasks, lead times, and delays.

Using the template, they map out the process—from initial planning to coding, testing, and deployment. Each step is represented with shapes and connectors that make it easy to see the flow of work. The template also includes areas for capturing additional details, like cycle times and wait times, so the team can get a complete picture of where delays are occurring.

As they analyze their map, they notice a significant bottleneck during the testing phase, where manual processes are slowing them down. By automating their testing, they estimate they can shave several days off their release cycle. Thanks to Miro’s collaborative tools, the team can brainstorm, annotate, and adjust the map together in real-time or async—making it easier to turn insights into action.

Value stream mapping examples from our community

One of the best things about Miro? Our vibrant community of innovators who share templates and ideas to help others thrive. Below are a few standout value stream mapping examples from Miroverse—our library of free, user-generated templates.

Value stream mapping workshop by Jon Spruce

Jon Spruce’s template is perfect if you’re running a VSM workshop with your team. It’s designed to guide participants through identifying value-adding and non-value-adding steps, making it easy to align on improvements. The clean layout and built-in instructions make it beginner-friendly while still offering depth for experienced users.

Using this template in Miro, teams can collaborate in real time or async, dropping sticky notes directly onto the map to document ideas and pain points. It’s like brainstorming, but better—because everything is organized and visual.

Simple value stream map by Robert Robinson

If you’re looking for a straightforward way to map your value stream, Robert Robinson’s template is your go-to. It focuses on the basics, like capturing key steps and identifying lead times, making it ideal for beginners or those who want to keep things simple.

With Miro’s intuitive drag-and-drop interface, customizing this template is a breeze. Whether you’re adjusting timelines or adding new steps, the flexibility of the platform ensures your map evolves as your process does.

Value stream map by Paul Snedden

Paul Snedden’s template takes a deeper dive into process mapping, offering a detailed framework for identifying inefficiencies and areas for improvement. It’s great for teams ready to tackle complex workflows and uncover hidden opportunities.

What makes this template shine in Miro is the ability to layer information visually. You can use color coding, comments, and connectors to make your map as detailed as you need, while still keeping it easy to follow. It’s a powerful tool for serious process optimization.

Bonus template: Value chain analysis template

Sometimes, you need to zoom out and look at the bigger picture. That’s where the value chain analysis template comes in. Unlike a standard VSM, this template focuses on the entire value chain—from suppliers to customers—helping you pinpoint opportunities across your ecosystem.

Miro’s value chain template makes it easy to visualize dependencies, track performance metrics, and collaborate with stakeholders. And because it’s all online, you can involve everyone from your immediate team to external partners in the process.

Create your value stream map with confidence using Miro

Ready to streamline your workflows and unlock hidden value? Miro’s innovation workspace gives you everything you need to create effective value stream maps. From intuitive templates to real-time collaboration features, Miro makes it easy to document your processes, align your team, and take action—all in one place.

Here’s how Miro helps:

• Templates to get started fast:Choose from a variety of pre-made templates, including our simple value stream map, to start mapping immediately.

• Flexible customization: Add shapes, colors, comments, and annotations to make your map reflect your unique process.

• Seamless collaboration: Work with your team in real time or asynchronously, whether you’re in the same office or across the globe.

• Accessible anywhere: Miro works on any device, so your team can stay connected and productive no matter where they are.

Whether you’re a VSM newbie or a seasoned pro, Miro’s VSM templates will help you work smarter and faster. So why wait? Start mapping your process today and see the difference for yourself.