What is a value stream?

A value stream is a series of steps that an organization uses to deliver a product or service to a customer, from initial concept through to delivery and support. It encompasses all the activities, both value-adding and non-value-adding, required to transform raw materials or information into the final output. Value stream mapping is often used to analyze and improve these processes, helping organizations eliminate waste and increase efficiency. The concept is central to Lean and Agile methodologies, focusing on maximizing value and minimizing waste for the customer.