The Future-State Map The purpose of value stream mapping is to highlight sources of waste and eliminate them by implementation of a future-state value stream that can become a reality within a short period of time. The goal is to build a chain of production where the individual processes are linked to their customer(s) either by continuous flow or pull, and each process gets as close as possible to producing only what its customer(s) need when they need it. Assuming you are working at an existing facility with an existing product and process, some of the waste in a value stream will be the result of the product's design, the processing machinery already bought, and the remote location of some activities. These features of the current state probably can't be changed immediately. Unless you are involved in a new product introduction, the first iteration of your future-state map should take product designs, process technologies, and plant locations as given and seek to remove as quickly as possible all sources of waste not caused by these features. (With the exception of minor purchases think, "What can we do with what we have?") Subsequent iterations can address your product design, technology, and location issues We have found that the most useful aid for helping people draw future-state maps is the following list of questions. As you develop your future-state concepts, answer the questions in roughly the following order. Based on your answers to these questions, mark your future-state ideas directly on your current-state map in red pencil. Once you have worked out your future-state thoughts in this way, you can draw a future-state map.