Lean IT With Value Stream Mapping Analysis: A Case Study in Software Development Life Cycle Process

Value stream mapping (VSM) is a useful tool for depicting the flow of materials and information in manufacturing and service processes. It is known as one of the most popular lean methods to identify bottlenecks, reduce cycle time, and improve current processes. Although VSM has been extensively used in manufacturing, there are limited studies that applied VSM in non-manufacturing environments. In this study, the authors present an application of VSM to improve software development life cycle (SDLC) process in an IT firm. The current process flows (as-is) are mapped to identify non-value-added activities as well as areas for improvement. Based on the analysis of the current state map, the authors propose recommendations, action plans, and a future state map (to-be-process). They estimate that, with the new process changes, IT project delivery time can be reduced from 210.5 days to 137.5 days - a 34.7% reduction in the software development life cycle process. This provides a powerful base for IT project management and enables the IT department to meet its expected project turnaround time.