🚗 Applying Value Stream Mapping to Your Commute
Value Stream Mapping (VSM) is a powerful Lean tool for visualizing and improving processes. While it’s often used in manufacturing or service workflows, its principles can transform something as routine as your daily commute.
What is Value Stream Mapping?
VSM is a visual representation of every step in a process, highlighting:
Value-added activities (what moves you closer to your goal)
Non-value-added activities (waste that slows you down)
The goal? Eliminate waste and optimize flow.
Why Apply VSM to Your Commute?
Your commute is a process with inputs, outputs, and plenty of potential waste:
Waiting at traffic lights
Searching for parking
Detours or delays
Unproductive time during travel
Mapping it out helps you see where time is lost and where improvements can be made.
How to Do It
Define the Current State
Start from “leaving home” to “arriving at work.” Document:Steps (drive, stop for coffee, park, walk in)
Time for each step
Delays or bottlenecks
Identify Waste
Common wastes in commuting:Waiting: Traffic jams, long lights
Motion: Extra walking due to distant parking
Overprocessing: Multiple stops for errands
Create a Visual Map
Draw the flow with time metrics. Highlight non-value-added steps.Design the Future State
Ask:Can I leave earlier or later to avoid traffic?
Can I combine errands or eliminate stops?
Is there a faster route or alternative mode (bike, carpool)?
Example
Current commute:
Leave home: 0 min
Drive: 30 min
Coffee stop: 10 min
Parking: 5 min
Walk to office: 5 min
Total: 50 min
Future state:
Make coffee at home
Use traffic app for best route
New total: 35 min
Benefits
Save time and reduce stress
Lower fuel costs
Improve productivity (maybe listen to podcasts during drive!)
Lean isn’t just for factories—it’s for life. By applying Value Stream Mapping to your commute, you can turn wasted time into efficiency and start your day on the right foot.
