Value Stream Mapping Software

Visualize and optimize any process. SmartDraw makes VSM easy.

The Easy Choice for Value Stream Mapping Online

Easy to Use

SmartDraw's Value Stream Mapping templates come with all the necessary VSM symbols you need to drag and drop and illustrate any process. SmartDraw aligns everything automatically, so you don't have to worry about formatting, rearranging, or reconnecting steps as you create your process.

Easy to Work With Other Apps

SmartDraw is easy to work with no matter what other apps you use. You can add process maps to:

  • Microsoft Office®
    • Word®
    • PowerPoint®
    • Excel®
  • Microsoft Teams®
  • Google Workspace
    • Google Docs
    • Google Sheets
  • Atlassian apps
    • Confluence
    • Jira

Easy to Save to Your Existing Storage Solution

SmartDraw works hand in glove with most file storage systems. You can save your value stream map directly to:

  • SharePoint®
  • OneDrive®
  • Google Drive
  • DropBox®
  • Box®

There is no need to create a parallel set of common folders and permissions, SmartDraw can just save files directly into your existing set up.

Easy to Share

Share your value stream map with anyone, even if they don't own a copy of SmartDraw, with a link. You can also easily export any diagram as a PDF or common image formats like PNG or SVG.

Easy to Share

Easy to Get Help

Have a question? Chat or email us. SmartDraw support is in-house and free!

Easy to Get Help

Easy Collaboration

Get feedback on processes from any cross-functional group. Stakeholders can easily comment and even work on the same value stream map to optimize processes.

SmartDraw also works where you already communicate with your team. You can collaborate on value stream maps in Microsoft Teams®, Slack or Confluence.

Collaborate on Value Stream Maps

What is a Value Stream Map

A value stream map is made up of three distinct looking parts: a process map, a corresponding timeline, and information flow. The process map consists of the steps and the information associated with the steps of your process. The timeline is there to show cycle times and differentiate between value-added cycle times and non value-added cycle times and help identify waste. The information flow further explains the interaction and activity between the stations of your value chain.

Value Stream Map component

How to Build a Value Stream Map

Step 1

Start with a VSM Template

To make a Value Stream Map in SmartDraw, you'll want to start with a Value Stream Mapping template. This will open a library of specialized symbols used in VSM like those for a supplier and customer as well as specialized lines and process symbols.

Place your supplier on one end of the map by dragging it out of the library. Click on the shape and type "Supplier" to label it.

Step 2

Add Process Steps

Next, add process boxes that describe each step by selecting a process symbol in the library and, while holding the Ctrl key, using the arrow keys in the direction you want to add your process. Keep adding process symbols to build your flow.

Step 3

Add Data

You can also add boxes that contain data like C/T and C/O numbers to record cycle times and changeover times to add more detail.

Step 4

Add Shipping and Inventory

p>You can always insert shipping or inventory symbols as necessary either by using the keyboard or by dragging and dropping them to the line to be grabbed automatically. You won't have to manually reformat the diagram even if you add these after the rest of your process is built.

Step 5

Finish with the Customer

Making changes is always easy. Just delete or move steps. SmartDraw will automatically reformat your diagram and connecting lines.

Finish off your process flow by adding a customer shape at the end.

Step 6

Show Production Control and Information Flows

The information flow explains the interaction and activity between the stations of your value chain.

To show the information flow, add a separate production control symbol and link it to the starting (supplier) and end points (customer) of your map. To do so, drag and drop the symbol from the attached library.

Next, find the line labeled "Electronic Information Flow" and connect your production control to other symbols in your diagram.

Step 7

Create a Timeline to Help Detect Waste

Finally, you'll want to add a timeline. You can do this using SmartDraw's segmented shape connector. First, make sure you turn off Arrowheads in the Line style menu. Once arrowheads are set to none, you can choose the segmented "Shape Connector" in the Line type drop-down and drag your cursor to draw a segmented line. You can connect multiple

Other Lean Tools

You'll also find these Lean Method visuals in SmartDraw:

  • PDCA Cycle
  • Process Map
  • Cause-and-Effect Diagram
  • Spaghetti Diagram
  • 5S
  • 5 Whys
  • A3 Thinking
  • Red Tag
  • SIPOC Analysis
Value chain analysis

Value Stream Maps and More

SmartDraw is much more than just value stream mapping software. SmartDraw includes specialized templates for 70 different types of visuals—mind maps, organizational charts, data charts, floor plans, and more. Plus, there are hundreds of examples that you can easily edit and make your own.

SmartDraw diagram types

VSM Examples and Templatess

Make starting any project easier with included value stream mapping templates.

SmartDraw is Used by Over 85% of the Fortune 500

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3M logo
Amazon logo
AT&T logo
Cisco logo
Honeywell logo
Intel logo
Johnson and Johnson logo
Mariott logo
Abbott Labs logo
Motorola logo
Northrop Grumman logo
Oracle logo
Pfizer logo
Thermo Fisher Scientific logo
Verizon logo
Wells Fargo logo

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