VSM Studio
VSM guide / Software compared
Value stream mapping software compared
Five tools teams use for value stream mapping, compared on what a lean team needs: does it do the VSM math, can it simulate the line, and what does it cost. Every competitor fact comes from the vendor's own site, checked Oct 29, 2026.
Side by side
| VSM Studio | Lucidchart | Miro | Microsoft Visio | eVSM | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VSM symbols and templates | Yes: full symbol set, templates and examples | Yes: VSM shape libraries and templates | Yes: VSM templates, many made by the community | Yes: Value Stream Map template and shapes (Professional / Plan 2) | Yes: VSM stencils inside Visio |
| Calculates takt, lead time and PCE | Yes, live as you type | No: data boxes are filled in by hand | No: you work out efficiency yourself | No: shapes only | Yes: takt, cycle time and PCE, with lead time charts |
| Simulates the line over time | Yes, day by day, with breakdowns and demand | No | No | No | Not stated on its site |
| Suggests and tests improvements | Yes: ranked suggestions, each tested on the same run | No | No | No | A what-if model; no suggestions |
| Free plan | Yes: maps in your browser; a free account adds 3 cloud maps and 10 simulations a month | Yes: 3 editable documents | Yes: 3 editable boards | No | No: a trial, 30-day evaluation licenses |
| Lowest paid price | $39 / user / mo | $9 / mo | $8 / user / mo 1 | $5–15 / user / mo 2 | $2,250 / site / yr 3 |
| Runs on | Any browser: computer, tablet, phone | Browser | Browser, Windows and Mac apps, mobile | Browser (Plan 1); Windows desktop (Plan 2) | Windows desktop; needs Visio and Excel |
1 Starter, billed yearly. 2 Plan 1 ($5) is web only; the VSM template appears to need Plan 2 ($15). 3 Up to 5 PCs, sites under 500 employees. Prices and features as shown on each vendor's site on Oct 29, 2026; Lucidchart's billing period couldn't be confirmed. Sources are listed below.
Which one fits
- Lucidchart or Miro if your team already works there and you need a picture for a workshop, not the numbers.
- Visio if your company standardizes on Microsoft and you have Plan 2.
- eVSM if you work on Windows with Visio and want a calculation add-in under a site license.
- VSM Studio if you want the numbers, the simulation and the improvement plan in one browser tool, free to start.
Key terms
- Takt time
- How often you must finish one good part to meet demand: available time ÷ demand.
- Lead time
- How long one part takes from raw material to the customer, waiting included.
- PCE
- Process cycle efficiency: processing time ÷ lead time.
- Simulation
- Running the line day by day on the computer to see where it breaks before you change the floor.
Questions
What is the best value stream mapping software?
It depends on what you need. For a drawing, any diagram tool with VSM shapes works. For the analysis (takt, lead time, load, simulation and a tested improvement plan) you need a tool built for VSM, like VSM Studio or eVSM.
Is there free value stream mapping software?
Yes. VSM Studio is free to start, with maps saved in your browser. Lucidchart and Miro have free plans limited to 3 documents or boards, and they don't calculate the VSM numbers.
Can I do value stream mapping in Excel?
You can keep the data in Excel, but the drawing and the timeline are manual. VSM Studio imports your steps from a CSV or ERP export and draws the map from them.
Try the one that does the math
Free, in your browser. Open the sample map and test a fix in under a minute.
Sources
- Lucidchart: VSM shapes and templates, plans, plan help
- Miro: pricing, VSM templates, apps
- Microsoft Visio: Plan 1, Plan 2, create a value stream map
- eVSM: what eVSM is, VSM calculations, licenses and pricing
- VSM Studio: pricing, VSM guide
Lucidchart, Miro, Microsoft Visio and eVSM are trademarks of their owners. VSM Studio isn't affiliated with them.