Value Stream Domain

The Value Stream domain represents end-to-end activities that create value for customers or internal stakeholders. It provides a dynamic, interconnected view of how value flows through the organization, with links to capabilities, information, and stakeholder expectations.

Schema Version: 2.2
Schema Location: /schemas/value-stream.schema.json
Specification: JSON Schema Draft-07

Overview

What is a Value Stream?

A value stream represents the complete sequence of activities required to deliver a product, service, or outcome that provides value to a customer or stakeholder. Value streams:

Span organizational boundaries — Cross functions and departments
Focus on customer value — Measure success by value delivered
Enable optimization — Identify waste and improvement opportunities
Connect capabilities — Link organizational capabilities to outcomes

The domain integrates performance metrics at each stage, creating a continuous feedback loop for measurement and optimization.

Purpose and Value

The Value Stream domain enables architects and planners to:

Map end-to-end flows from trigger to value delivery
Identify bottlenecks and optimization opportunities
Connect capabilities to value by linking what we do to why it matters
Measure value delivery through stage-level metrics
Align stakeholder expectations with delivery activities

For Data Engineers

The Value Stream domain maps directly to data pipeline concepts:

Value Stream → Data Pipeline /ETL Flow
Value Stream Stage → Pipeline Stage /Transform Step
Inputs/Outputs → Source /Target data
Performance Indicators → Pipeline metrics (latency, throughput)
Enabling Capability → Processing capability

Core Components

The Value Stream domain uses a hierarchical structure:

Value Stream: End-to-end flow delivering value
Value Stream Stages: Sequential steps transforming inputs to outputs
Value Items: Specific outputs or benefits generated
Enabling Capabilities: Capabilities that enable each stage

Domain Attributes

Value Stream Attributes

Attribute	Type	Description	Required
`title`	String	Name or title of the Value Stream	✓
`description`	String	Detailed explanation of the Value Stream	✓
`purpose`	String	Intended purpose or function within the Organization	✓
`owner`	String	Individual or team responsible	✓
`orgUnitTitle`	String	Organization unit(s) linked
`valueStreamCategory`	Enum	Category of value stream
`valueStreamType`	Enum	Type of value stream
`triggeringEvent`	String	What initiates the value stream
`endingState`	String	Final state when value is delivered
`customer`	String	Primary customer or beneficiary
`valueProposition`	String	Value delivered to customer
`performanceIndicators`	String	Metrics for effectiveness and efficiency
`dependencies`	String	Capabilities, processes, or systems depended on
`relatedValueStreams`	String	Related or linked value streams
`maturityLevel`	Enum	Current maturity level
`toolsAndTechnologies`	String	Tools and technologies used
`complianceAndStandards`	Array[Enum]	Regulatory requirements and standards
`cost`	String	Financial cost for implementing and maintaining
`cycleTime`	String	Total time from trigger to value delivery
`risks`	String	Potential risks associated with the Value Stream
`riskCategories`	Array[Enum]	Categories of risks
`improvementOpportunities`	String	Areas for enhancement
`strategicAlignment`	String	Alignment with strategic goals
`valueStreamStages`	Array[Object]	Stages within the value stream

Value Stream Stage Attributes

Attribute	Type	Description
`stageTitle`	String	Name/title of the stage
`parentValueStream`	String	Value Stream it belongs to
`description`	String	What the stage entails
`purpose`	String	Intended function within the Value Stream
`owner`	String	Responsible individual/team
`orgUnitTitle`	String	Associated Organization unit(s)
`stageSequence`	Integer	Order in the value stream
`inputs`	String	Required resources/information
`outputs`	String	Deliverables/results produced
`valueItems`	String	Specific outputs or benefits generated
`performanceIndicators`	String	Metrics for effectiveness/efficiency
`cycleTime`	String	Time to complete this stage
`waitTime`	String	Wait time before this stage
`dependencies`	String	Other stages/systems it depends on
`relatedValueStreamStages`	String	Connected stages
`risks`	String	Potential risks
`improvementOpportunities`	String	Areas for enhancement
`strategicAlignment`	String	Alignment with Organization goals
`enablingCapability`	String	Capability that enables this stage
`informationUsed`	String	Information assets used
`informationProduced`	String	Information assets produced

Enumeration Values

Value Stream Category (`valueStreamCategory`)

Value	Description	Example
`Operational`	Core operational activities	Production, delivery
`Supporting`	Internal support activities	HR, Finance, IT
`Development`	Product/service development	R&D, Innovation
`Customer`	Customer-facing activities	Sales, Service
`Strategic`	Strategic planning activities	Planning, M&A

Value Stream Type (`valueStreamType`)

Value	Description	Example
`Product Delivery`	Delivering products	Manufacturing, fulfillment
`Service Delivery`	Delivering services	Customer service, consulting
`Information Processing`	Processing information	Analytics, reporting
`Decision Support`	Supporting decisions	Planning, analysis
`Maintenance`	Maintaining assets	Infrastructure maintenance
`Development`	Developing new capabilities	Product development

Maturity Level (`maturityLevel`)

Value	Description	Example
`Level 1 - Initial`	Ad-hoc, inconsistent	No standard process
`Level 2 - Developing`	Basic processes emerging	Some documentation
`Level 3 - Defined`	Standardized processes	Documented procedures
`Level 4 - Managed`	Quantitatively controlled	Metrics-driven
`Level 5 - Optimizing`	Continuous improvement	Predictive optimization

Domain Relationships

The Value Stream domain integrates with other metamodel domains:

Target Domain	Relationship Type	Description
Organization	Ownership	Organization units own and execute value streams
Capabilities	Enablement	Capabilities enable value stream stages
Information	Flow	Information flows through value streams
Products	Delivery	Value streams deliver products
Services	Delivery	Value streams deliver services
Customer	Value	Value streams create value for customers
Performance	Measurement	Performance metrics track value stream effectiveness
Stakeholder	Benefit	Stakeholders benefit from value stream outputs
Policy	Compliance	Value streams comply with policies
Initiatives	Improvement	Initiatives improve value streams

Examples

Example 1: Track Inspection and Maintenance Value Stream

{
  "title": "Track Inspection and Maintenance",
  "description": "End-to-end process for track inspection and maintenance activities ensuring rail safety and operational reliability",
  "purpose": "Ensure track safety through efficient inspection and maintenance to support safe rail operations",
  "owner": "Track Maintenance Program Director",
  "orgUnitTitle": "Track and Rail Infrastructure Division",
  "valueStreamCategory": "Operational",
  "valueStreamType": "Maintenance",
  "triggeringEvent": "Scheduled inspection cycle or reported track condition",
  "endingState": "Track certified safe for operation at designated speed",
  "customer": "Rail Operations Division, Passengers, Freight Customers",
  "valueProposition": "Safe, reliable track infrastructure enabling on-time operations",
  "performanceIndicators": "Track quality index: 96.8%, Maintenance completion rate: 94.5%, On-time delivery: 97.2%",
  "dependencies": "Track measurement systems, maintenance crews, equipment availability, weather conditions",
  "relatedValueStreams": "Signal system maintenance, bridge inspection process, equipment maintenance",
  "maturityLevel": "Level 4 - Managed",
  "toolsAndTechnologies": "Track geometry cars, ultrasonic testing equipment, maintenance management software",
  "complianceAndStandards": ["Federal Regulations", "Safety Standards"],
  "cost": "Annual budget: $178M for inspection and maintenance activities",
  "cycleTime": "Average 14 days from inspection to maintenance completion",
  "risks": "Weather delays, equipment failures, workforce availability",
  "improvementOpportunities": "Implement predictive analytics, automate reporting processes, enhance mobile capabilities",
  "strategicAlignment": "Directly supports safety and infrastructure reliability strategic goals",
  "valueStreamStages": [
    {
      "stageTitle": "Track Geometry Inspection",
      "stageSequence": 1,
      "description": "Automated measurement of track geometry parameters using track geometry vehicles",
      "purpose": "Identify track geometry defects requiring maintenance",
      "owner": "Track Geometry Program Manager",
      "orgUnitTitle": "Track Inspection Division",
      "inputs": "Track class data, previous inspection results, maintenance history",
      "outputs": "Track geometry exception reports, maintenance recommendations",
      "valueItems": "Inspection reports, defect identification, safety certifications",
      "performanceIndicators": "Inspection coverage: 98.2%, Defect identification accuracy: 96.5%",
      "cycleTime": "2-3 days per territory",
      "dependencies": "Track geometry vehicle availability, weather conditions, track access windows",
      "relatedValueStreamStages": "Rail wear measurement, maintenance planning",
      "risks": "Equipment malfunction, data transmission failures",
      "improvementOpportunities": "Real-time data analysis, automated work order generation",
      "strategicAlignment": "Supports track safety and maintenance efficiency objectives",
      "enablingCapability": "Automated Track Geometry Measurement"
    },
    {
      "stageTitle": "Defect Analysis and Prioritization",
      "stageSequence": 2,
      "description": "Analysis of inspection data to identify, classify, and prioritize maintenance needs",
      "purpose": "Determine maintenance priorities based on safety risk and operational impact",
      "owner": "Track Analysis Manager",
      "inputs": "Inspection reports, defect data, historical trends",
      "outputs": "Prioritized maintenance work orders, resource allocation plans",
      "performanceIndicators": "Analysis turnaround: 24 hours, Priority accuracy: 98%",
      "cycleTime": "1-2 days",
      "enablingCapability": "Track Condition Analysis"
    },
    {
      "stageTitle": "Maintenance Execution",
      "stageSequence": 3,
      "description": "Physical repair and maintenance of identified track defects",
      "purpose": "Restore track to safe operating condition",
      "owner": "Maintenance Operations Manager",
      "inputs": "Work orders, materials, equipment, crew schedules",
      "outputs": "Completed repairs, updated track records",
      "performanceIndicators": "First-time fix rate: 94%, SLA compliance: 97%",
      "cycleTime": "3-7 days depending on defect severity",
      "enablingCapability": "Track Repair and Maintenance"
    },
    {
      "stageTitle": "Quality Verification",
      "stageSequence": 4,
      "description": "Post-maintenance inspection to verify repair quality and track safety",
      "purpose": "Certify track safe for operations at designated speed",
      "owner": "Quality Assurance Manager",
      "inputs": "Completed work records, verification inspection data",
      "outputs": "Safety certifications, track release authorization",
      "performanceIndicators": "Verification pass rate: 99.2%, Re-work rate: 0.8%",
      "cycleTime": "1 day",
      "enablingCapability": "Quality Verification and Certification"
    }
  ]
}

Example 2: Customer Onboarding Value Stream

{
  "title": "Customer Onboarding",
  "description": "End-to-end process for onboarding new customers from initial contact through active usage",
  "purpose": "Successfully activate new customers to realize value from products and services",
  "owner": "Customer Success Director",
  "orgUnitTitle": "Customer Success Division",
  "valueStreamCategory": "Customer",
  "valueStreamType": "Service Delivery",
  "triggeringEvent": "Customer signs contract or places first order",
  "endingState": "Customer actively using products/services and achieving value",
  "customer": "New customers",
  "valueProposition": "Fast time-to-value with seamless onboarding experience",
  "performanceIndicators": "Onboarding completion rate: 94%, Time to first value: 14 days, Customer satisfaction: 4.5/5",
  "cycleTime": "Average 21 days from contract to full activation",
  "maturityLevel": "Level 3 - Defined",
  "valueStreamStages": [
    {
      "stageTitle": "Welcome and Setup",
      "stageSequence": 1,
      "description": "Initial customer welcome, account setup, and access provisioning",
      "inputs": "Contract details, customer information",
      "outputs": "Active account, access credentials, welcome materials",
      "cycleTime": "1-2 days"
    },
    {
      "stageTitle": "Configuration",
      "stageSequence": 2,
      "description": "Configure products/services to customer requirements",
      "inputs": "Customer requirements, configuration templates",
      "outputs": "Configured environment, custom settings",
      "cycleTime": "3-5 days"
    },
    {
      "stageTitle": "Training",
      "stageSequence": 3,
      "description": "Train customer users on product usage",
      "inputs": "Training materials, user list",
      "outputs": "Trained users, certification records",
      "cycleTime": "5-7 days"
    },
    {
      "stageTitle": "Go-Live Support",
      "stageSequence": 4,
      "description": "Support customer through initial production usage",
      "inputs": "Go-live checklist, support resources",
      "outputs": "Active production usage, resolved issues",
      "cycleTime": "7-10 days"
    }
  ]
}

Example 3: Data Analytics Value Stream

{
  "title": "Data Analytics Pipeline",
  "description": "End-to-end flow for transforming raw data into actionable business insights",
  "purpose": "Deliver timely, accurate analytics to support business decision-making",
  "owner": "Chief Data Officer",
  "orgUnitTitle": "Data and Analytics Division",
  "valueStreamCategory": "Supporting",
  "valueStreamType": "Information Processing",
  "triggeringEvent": "Data refresh schedule or ad-hoc analysis request",
  "endingState": "Insights delivered and consumed by business stakeholders",
  "customer": "Business stakeholders, executives, analysts",
  "valueProposition": "Data-driven insights enabling better business decisions",
  "performanceIndicators": "Data freshness: &lt;4 hours, Report accuracy: 99.9%, User satisfaction: 4.3/5",
  "cycleTime": "4 hours for standard reports, 2 days for ad-hoc analysis",
  "maturityLevel": "Level 4 - Managed",
  "toolsAndTechnologies": "Spark, Airflow, Snowflake, Tableau, dbt",
  "valueStreamStages": [
    {
      "stageTitle": "Data Ingestion",
      "stageSequence": 1,
      "description": "Extract data from source systems into data lake",
      "inputs": "Source system connections, ingestion schedules",
      "outputs": "Raw data in data lake",
      "performanceIndicators": "Ingestion success rate: 99.8%, Latency: &lt;30 minutes",
      "enablingCapability": "Data Ingestion Platform"
    },
    {
      "stageTitle": "Data Transformation",
      "stageSequence": 2,
      "description": "Clean, transform, and model data for analysis",
      "inputs": "Raw data, transformation logic, business rules",
      "outputs": "Curated datasets, data models",
      "performanceIndicators": "Transform success rate: 99.5%, Data quality score: 98%",
      "enablingCapability": "Data Transformation Engine"
    },
    {
      "stageTitle": "Analytics Generation",
      "stageSequence": 3,
      "description": "Generate reports, dashboards, and analytical outputs",
      "inputs": "Curated data, report definitions",
      "outputs": "Reports, dashboards, alerts",
      "performanceIndicators": "Report generation time: &lt;5 minutes, Accuracy: 99.9%",
      "enablingCapability": "Business Intelligence Platform"
    },
    {
      "stageTitle": "Insight Delivery",
      "stageSequence": 4,
      "description": "Deliver insights to consumers through appropriate channels",
      "inputs": "Generated reports, distribution lists",
      "outputs": "Delivered insights, consumption metrics",
      "performanceIndicators": "Delivery success: 100%, User engagement: 78%",
      "enablingCapability": "Report Distribution System"
    }
  ]
}

Implementation Guidelines

Value Stream Mapping Best Practices

Start with the customer — Define value from the customer perspective
Map end-to-end — Include all stages from trigger to value delivery
Identify waste — Look for delays, rework, and non-value activities
Measure flow — Track cycle time, wait time, and throughput
Link to capabilities — Connect stages to enabling capabilities

Value Stream Visualization

Lean Metrics

Track these key metrics for each value stream:

Metric	Description	Target
Lead Time	Total time from trigger to delivery	Minimize
Cycle Time	Active processing time	Minimize
Wait Time	Time waiting between stages	Eliminate
Throughput	Units processed per time period	Optimize
First-Pass Yield	Percentage completed without rework	Maximize

OpenMetadata Integration

For Data Platform Teams

When integrating with OpenMetadata, map Value Stream entities as follows:

Orthogramic Element	OpenMetadata Entity	Notes
Value Stream	Pipeline	Data processing pipeline
Value Stream Stage	Pipeline Task	Individual transform step
Inputs	Lineage Source	Input data assets
Outputs	Lineage Target	Output data assets
Performance Indicators	Pipeline Status	Execution metrics

# Example: Map value stream to OpenMetadata pipeline
def create_pipeline(value_stream):
    """
    Map Orthogramic Value Stream to OpenMetadata Pipeline
    """
    pipeline = {
        "name": value_stream["title"].lower().replace(" ", "_"),
        "displayName": value_stream["title"],
        "description": value_stream["description"],
        "pipelineType": "batch",
        "owner": {"name": value_stream["owner"], "type": "user"},
        "tags": [
            {"tagFQN": f"ValueStreamCategory.{value_stream.get('valueStreamCategory', 'Operational')}"},
            {"tagFQN": f"MaturityLevel.{value_stream.get('maturityLevel', 'Defined')}"}
        ],
        "tasks": [],
        "extension": {
            "triggeringEvent": value_stream.get("triggeringEvent"),
            "cycleTime": value_stream.get("cycleTime"),
            "customer": value_stream.get("customer")
        }
    }
    
    # Add stages as tasks
    for stage in value_stream.get("valueStreamStages", []):
        task = {
            "name": stage["stageTitle"].lower().replace(" ", "_"),
            "displayName": stage["stageTitle"],
            "description": stage.get("description", ""),
            "taskType": "transformation",
            "downstreamTasks": [],
            "tags": []
        }
        pipeline["tasks"].append(task)
    
    # Link tasks sequentially
    for i, task in enumerate(pipeline["tasks"][:-1]):
        task["downstreamTasks"].append(pipeline["tasks"][i+1]["name"])
    
    return pipeline

Schema Reference

Repository: Orthogramic/Orthogramic_Metamodel
Schema Location: /schemas/value-stream.schema.json
Version: 2.2
Specification: JSON Schema Draft-07
License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Previous: Policy Domain | Next: Technology Domain

Overview​

What is a Value Stream?​

Purpose and Value​

Core Components​

Domain Attributes​

Value Stream Attributes​

Value Stream Stage Attributes​

Enumeration Values​

Value Stream Category (valueStreamCategory)​

Value Stream Type (valueStreamType)​

Maturity Level (maturityLevel)​

Domain Relationships​

Examples​

Example 1: Track Inspection and Maintenance Value Stream​

Example 2: Customer Onboarding Value Stream​

Example 3: Data Analytics Value Stream​

Implementation Guidelines​

Value Stream Mapping Best Practices​

Value Stream Visualization​

Lean Metrics​

OpenMetadata Integration​

Schema Reference​