Development Value Streams
The aim of development is, in fact, the creation of profitable operational value streams.
- Allen Ward, Lean Product and Process Development [1]
Definition: A Development Value Stream is the sequence of activities needed to convert a business hypothesis into a digitally-enabled solution that delivers customer value.
Summary
A development value stream (DVS) is a series of steps and activities an organization uses to deliver a product or solution. It starts from an idea or a requirement and includes everything that happens along the way. Design, coding, testing, and deployment are all part of the DVS. The reason to map out the DVS is to identify where to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and enhance value. By understanding each part of the process, teams work more collaboratively. They streamline their efforts and ensure that they are meeting customer needs. A well-defined DVS helps organizations deliver quality products faster and with greater alignment, and that leads to better overall outcomes and delighted customers.
What is a development value stream?
As described in Principle #10, “Organizing around value,” the value stream concept is essential to Lean thinking and SAFe. Two types of value streams are described in SAFe.
- Development value streams (DVS). This article describes DVS and the sequence of activities to develop and support the products and solutions used by operational value streams (OVS). Each DVS comprises one or more Agile Release Trains (ARTs).
- Operational value streams (OVS) describe the activities that deliver a product or service to a customer. Examples include fulfilling an order, admitting and treating a medical patient, providing a loan, or delivering a service.
Last Update: 10 March 2025