What initial step should be performed when developing a value stream map?

When developing a value stream map, the initial step of entering customer requirements is crucial. This step focuses on understanding what the customer values in a product or service, which serves as a foundation for the entire mapping process. By gathering customer requirements, organizations can align their processes to ensure they are meeting these needs effectively. This alignment is key to enhancing overall value and creating efficient processes that generate customer satisfaction.

Focusing on customer requirements first helps in accurately defining the scope of the value stream map. It allows teams to determine which processes to include and how to prioritize them based on what is critical to the customer. Consequently, this customer-centric approach helps inform subsequent steps in the value stream mapping process, encouraging an emphasis on delivering value from the customer's perspective.