Value Stream Mapping(VSM) in Construction and Manufacturing Industry: A Structured Literature Review and Comparative Analysis

Abstract

For the past few years, almost every sector of the manufacturing and service industries has applied some form of lean methodology. Likewise, lean-based tools have been applied to simple and complex construction projects. Value stream mapping (VSM) as a lean tool for manufacturing is used as a basic graphical tool that aims to describe production processes and to identify and reduce types of waste. In its current state, VSM is not being implemented as successfully in construction as it is in manufacturing due to fundamental differences between manufacturing and construction. This paper’s methodology uses a structured literature review to summarize the current state of VSM application in both construction and manufacturing. A comparative analysis identifies the differences and similarities of the identified applications of VSM between the manufacturing and construction industries. Resulting analogies from this analysis will enable the adaptation of VSM for use in the construction industry and provide a theoretical framework of the applications of VSM in construction for further research.