Overview
ISO 22468:2020 - Value stream management (VSM) provides guidelines for applying VSM to the collection, evaluation and continuous improvement of value‑stream relevant data. It describes a standardized VSM method for mapping, assessing and improving product and information flows, and defines how to assess value streams using key performance indicators (KPIs). The method is applicable to material-, energy- and data‑related process types and addresses hybrid process forms commonly found across supply chains.
Key topics and technical requirements
- VSM procedure and phases: three main phases - value stream analysis, value stream design and value stream planning - aligned with the PDCA cycle (plan/do, with later check/act through assessment and adjustment).
- Selection of a product family: choose representative product families (identical or similar process steps) to limit complexity when collecting and analyzing data.
- Data collection and value stream mapping: capture interviews, measured/system data and estimates; produce a current state value stream map using standardized data boxes (see Annex B for examples).
- Current‑state analysis and future‑state design: identify bottlenecks, pacemaker processes, WIP, lead time and other wastes; design improvement potentials oriented toward an ideal state and a future state with reduced lead time and waste.
- Value stream planning and implementation: develop a catalogue of measures, run workshops to agree plans and implement improvements.
- Assessment and continuous improvement: use value stream performance indicators (absolute and relative) to assess changes and drive continuous improvement (CIP).
- Applicability across process types: guidance covers material, energy and data flows and their hybrid combinations.
- Annexes: Annex A (normative) provides parameters and calculation procedures for applying VSM; Annex B (informative) offers data boxes and application examples.
Practical applications and who uses it
ISO 22468:2020 is practical for:
- Operations and production managers implementing Lean and value stream mapping
- Supply chain and logistics professionals seeking standardized cross‑enterprise visualization
- Quality managers aligning improvements with ISO 9001 principles
- Process engineers and industrial engineers analyzing lead time, WIP and bottlenecks
- Continuous improvement/Kaizen teams and consultants coordinating multi‑site or cross‑company value streams
- IT and data teams working on data‑related process flows and digital value stream mapping
Use cases include reducing lead time, harmonizing cross‑departmental value stream data, designing pull systems (supermarkets, takt), and establishing KPI‑based assessments to sustain improvements.
Related standards
- ISO 9001 is referenced conceptually for PDCA alignment and quality management context.
- Developed by ISO/TC 154 (Processes, data elements and documents in commerce, industry and administration).