Business Analysis Certification Practice Test 2026 – All-in-One Resource to Master Your Exam Success!

The recommended type of diagram for identifying waste within and between processes is the Value Stream Map. This diagram provides a visual representation of the flow of materials and information as a product or service moves through the value stream. By focusing on both the current state and desired future state, it highlights areas where waste occurs, such as delays, excess motion, or unnecessary steps.

A Value Stream Map incorporates elements like processing times, wait times, inventory levels, and information flows, allowing business analysts and teams to pinpoint non-value-adding activities and areas for improvement. Its holistic approach helps organizations streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and ultimately deliver greater value to customers.

By contrast, while a Detailed Process Map offers insight into specific steps within a process, it does not provide the broader perspective needed to see how those steps integrate with others in the value stream. A SIPOC Map outlines Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, and Customers, which is useful for high-level understanding but doesn't focus specifically on waste identification. A Flowchart Diagram visualizes sequences of steps or decisions but may lack the depth needed to analyze waste comprehensively within processes.