To start the Future State Mapping process properly, you should engage the project
team assigned to improve the value stream. Beginning with a simple brainstorming
session, teams can jump-start the entire process of envisioning the future
state.
Gather the team around a copy of the Current State Map to begin this session.
It is important that the team use a ‘‘copy” of the Current State Map (retaining the
original for future reference). Before the session is over, this copy of the map will
not look anything like it did when the team started.
Allow each team member to suggest possible solutions to the identified problems
and opportunities on the Current State Map. To truly use the concept of
brainstorming, do not set any ground rules other than that ideas must be focused
on the Current State Map at hand. As possible solutions are stated, first document
them on a flipchart or whiteboard. To this end, it may be beneficial to assign the
duty of scribe to one team member. If a scribe is assigned, ensure that the chosen
person understands that any idea that he or she thinks of can also be written
on the list.