By separating out process and data (which are synonymous with material or parts in a manufacturing setting) from communication, you can clear this first hurdle when mapping a transactional value stream. Many employees do not understand that they even have a process, but they do understand that they communicate all day long. By getting this piece correct, and documenting it on the map in a manner that accurately depicts the situation (even if this means showing
absolute chaos), you can quickly begin to gain acceptance from the employees in the value stream.