What is the purpose of a Kaizen burst on a value stream map?

The purpose of a Kaizen burst on a value stream map is to highlight areas of waste. A Kaizen burst is typically represented by a small circle or icon that indicates where improvements can be made within a process. This visual cue helps teams quickly identify parts of the workflow that may be contributing to inefficiencies, delays, or unnecessary costs. By pinpointing these areas, teams can focus their efforts on implementing incremental changes that collectively lead to significant improvements over time, aligning with the overarching goals of Lean principles and Six Sigma methodologies.

In this context, viewing the value stream map as a tool for continuous improvement emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing waste to enhance overall process performance. This approach is foundational in Lean thinking, which aims to optimize workflow by eliminating non-value-adding activities.