Anyone involved in lean management, process optimization, or continuous improvement will quickly encounter familiar methods such as Value Stream Mapping (VSM), Material Flow Analysis (MIFA), or Swimlane Diagrams. But in administration, development, or the service sector, this is not enough. This is where information flows, roles, and interfaces come into play—and that’s exactly what Makigami is for. In this blog post, you will learn what Makigami is, how it differs from VSM and MIFA, why it is so valuable in lean administration—and how kyro is taking Makigami to a new level digitally.
What Is Makigami?
Makigami is a process analysis method that was developed specifically for information-driven processes. It combines two ways of thinking:
- The flow concept from VSM: The entire process is analyzed from start to finish, including processing times, waiting phases, and activities
- The swimlane representation: Roles, departments, or functions are mapped in horizontal lanes. At a glance, you can see who does what and when
The result: Transparency. Inefficiencies, duplication of work, queries, and media breaks become immediately apparent.
Makigami vs. VSM: An overview of the differences
At first glance, Makigami and value stream mapping appear to be the same. Both analyze processes along a flow, both measure times and reveal waste. But it is their application that makes the difference.
| Aspect | Makigami | VSM (Value Stream Mapping) |
| Area of application | Administration, development, services | Production, logistics, industrial processes |
| Display | Swimlanes according to roles/functions | Symbols for processes, material and information flow |
| Focus | Information flow, roles, interfaces | Material flow, throughput times, customer benefit |
| Goal | Transparency in complex processes | Reduction of throughput times, flow improvement |
And what about MIFA?
Material flow analysis (MIFA) takes yet another approach. It focuses on routes and transport in the production layout: Where does the material come from? Where is it going? How often is it moved?
- VSM: considers process times and customer benefit
- MIFA: focuses on layout, material routes, and logistics
- Makigami: analyzes information flows, interfaces, and roles
The methods complement each other depending on the context.
In short: VSM / MIFA are strong in production. Makigami is strong in administration.
Why Makigami is so valuable
There are no machines or warehouses in administration. But there are many approvals, meetings, queries, Excel sheets, and emails. This is exactly where Makigami plays to its strengths.
Makigami shows:
- Which roles are involved
- Which systems and documents are used
- Where waiting times and queries arise
- Where communication breaks down
Especially in processes such as onboarding, invoice verification, or product development, Makigami makes the invisible visible – and creates the basis for sustainable improvements.
Makigami in kyro
On paper, Makigami takes up a lot of space. Roles, times, activities, and interfaces fill entire walls. With kyro, it’s easier.
- Digital representation: You can digitally map Makigami in kyro. Swimlanes, roles, and activities can be structured with a click
- Link to CIP: Anomalies can be documented directly in the Open Challenge List. This way, no idea is lost
- Automatic calculations: Processing times, waiting times, and throughput times are automatically recorded and evaluated
- Process linking: Results from Makigami can be directly linked to other kyro tools such as the A3 report or PDCA cycle
This means that instead of Post-its, whiteboards, and Excel lists, you have all your data consistently in one platform – accessible at any time and usable across teams.
Conclusion: Makigami as the key to lean administration
Makigami is more than just an “office version” of VSM. It is a standalone lean tool that makes processes visible where traditional methods often fail – in administration.
With kyro, Makigami becomes digital, intuitive, and measurable. This allows you to identify inefficiencies, clarify responsibilities, and improve information flows—without data chaos or sticky notes, but with a clear structure and sustainable results.
The demo version of kyro includes an example of Makigami (under the “VSM” tab). Get your non-binding demo login for the kyro platform now.
