Flow Engineering: From Value Stream Mapping to Effective Action

IT is by its very nature technical, but since it always is created and used by humans, we always have to look at the bigger picture when we want to get the most out of IT. "Flow Engineering" is a new book by Steve Pereira and Andrew Davis, and in this interview they talk about why value streams are so important and how to use them effectively.

In the book, five map types are introduced which guide users through the process of analyzing the current state, identifying dependencies and future state, and planning steps to get to a future state of flow:

• Outcome Mapping: Align all members of a team around the value they need to deliver.

• Current State Value Stream Mapping: Clarify the most likely constraints in an end-to-end workflow.

• Dependency Mapping: Enhance the team's clarity around key constraints.

• Future State Mapping: Jointly envision a value stream with improved flow.

• Flow Roadmapping: Define the minimum set of steps to achieving improved flow.

"Flow Engineering" is another book published by @ITRevolution, the publisher that in 2019 published the hugely successful "Team Topologies" book by Manuel Pais and Matthew Skelton. It's interesting to look at these books as being complementary: @TeamTopologies looks at how to organize for fast flow, whereas Flow Engineering teaches you how to analyze the current state of flow and how to plan improvements from the value stream perspective.

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