What is 'value stream mapping' primarily used for?

Value stream mapping is primarily used as a visual tool to analyze and design the flow of materials and information in a process. This methodology enables organizations to visualize their workflows, identify areas of waste, and understand how value is created and delivered to the customer.

By charting each step involved in producing a product or service, value stream mapping allows business analysts to pinpoint inefficiencies and areas for improvement. This focus on understanding the flow of value helps organizations streamline processes, reduce cycle times, and enhance overall efficiency. The end goal is to create more value with fewer resources by ensuring that every step in the process adds value from the customer's perspective.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the purpose or function of value stream mapping. For instance, tracking project timelines focuses more on scheduling and deadlines, while identifying team roles is about organizational structure rather than workflow. Lastly, a quantitative analysis of financial performance pertains to financial metrics, which is a different analytical approach entirely.