Value Stream Mastery: Real-World Process Mapping for Operational Excellence (Lean Foundations & Advanced AI Applications)

Unlock the Power of Value Stream Mapping (VSM) to Drive Lean Transformation

Every organization struggles with waste-lost time, hidden costs, and inefficient processes that drain performance. This book introduces you to the mindset and principles of Value Stream Mapping (VSM), showing how to see waste clearly, understand its impact, and build the foundation for continuous improvement.

With clear explanations, simplified models, and illustrative examples from world-class companies (Toyota, Intel, Tesla, DHL, and more), it connects classic Lean thinking with today's digital possibilities-from AI to IoT and Digital Twins.

Inside you'll discover:

• How small, hidden wastes silently erode profitability.
• The seven wastes explained in plain language for quick recognition.
• Illustrative examples from manufacturing, logistics, and service industries-proving Lean applies everywhere.
• How modern technologies like AI and analytics can strengthen VSM in today's business landscape.

This is not a dense academic textbook-it is a conceptual and practical handbook to help you think differently about processes, recognize waste, and start your Lean journey with clarity.

Dr. Mohammed Hamed Ahmed Soliman is an internationally recognized Lean expert, author, and university lecturer. He has published over 100 books and articles on Lean thinking, quality systems, and industrial excellence. He currently teaches Industrial Engineering and Management Systems at the American University in Cairo, an Executive Advisor and a member of the Advisory Committee of the IEOM International Society, and consults for global organizations across manufacturing, public services, and education.

With nearly two decades of academic and professional experience, Dr. Soliman has trained professionals across the Middle East, including engagements with Princess Nourah University in Saudi Arabia and Vale Oman Pelletizing Company. He has designed and delivered over 60 leadership and technical development programs, helping organizations build a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Earlier in his career, he worked in various industrial sectors including crystal-glass manufacturing, fertilizers, and chemicals, while educating teams on the Toyota Production System. He has led numerous lean transformation projects, delivering measurable results and uncovering substantial cost savings by targeting waste across production and service environments.

His lectures and training materials have reached over 200,000 learners via SlideShare, and his research is ranked among the most downloaded papers on the Social Science Research Network (SSRN) by Elsevier.

Dr. Soliman holds a BSc in Engineering, a master's in Quality Management, and postgraduate degrees in Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management. He also holds certifications in quality, cost, and operations management. He is a member of the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) and the Society for Engineering and Management Systems (SEMS).

His insights have been featured in SAGE Publications, Industrial Management, Lean Thinking, and other peer-reviewed platforms.