What does a heat map typically highlight within a value stream?

A heat map is a visual tool that effectively represents data concerning specific areas, making it easier for stakeholders to identify patterns, trends, and areas that require attention. In the context of a value stream, a heat map highlights areas requiring improvement or focus by utilizing a color-coding system, where different colors indicate varying levels of performance, issues, or opportunities within the value stream.

When a heat map is applied, it allows organizations to quickly visualize components that may be underperforming or that could benefit from enhancement, guiding strategic decision-making and resource allocation. This targeted visualization helps teams prioritize actions based on the urgency and significance of the issues highlighted.

This focus on improvement differs greatly from simply listing financial losses, showcasing past successes, or measuring employee performance metrics. While those aspects may be important in assessing overall business health, they do not align with the primary function of a heat map in the context of value streams, which is to specifically identify and bring attention to areas that require intervention for optimization and process enhancement.