What is a Time Value Map?

A time value map can be a very useful tool when utilizing Six Sigma methodology.

A time value map tracks a single work item through its process. It accounts for where time is spent on this action item. The time value map begins with the outset of the work item and it tracks it through delivery to the end user.
The aim of the time value map is to eliminate waste. As you'll remember from Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma, waste is something that should be avoided at all costs. By tracking where time is spent, processes and tasks that do not contribute to the overall quality of the end product can be eliminated, and the process for that product can be streamlined.
Companies that wish to save money and resources do well to reduce waste in their processes.
The reason a time value map is so crucial to project management is that it allows identification of areas of waste.


Draw the Time Value Map


Now that you know the three categories, you can track each of the activities involved in the work process. You will need to track each activity involved in the work item's process and the time it takes to complete the activity.


The center line is the timeline for the entirety of your project's duration. Above this line, you will chart the activities that are value-added work at the appropriate time on the time line. Below the timeline, you will track the waste. The creator of the chart used two different colors to differentiate between unavoidable and avoidable waste.


Finally, once you have a visualization of the time value in your project, you can begin to eliminate areas of waste and improve the quality and speed of your work item process.