Strategy
Value Chain
Plain English
All the steps involved in delivering value to users.
Definition
A value chain is the full set of activities and glossaryProcessA process is a defined sequence of steps used to achieve a specific outcome.Open glossary term involved in creating, delivering, and supporting a product or glossaryServiceA service is a component or function that performs a specific task within a system.Open glossary term.
In practice
Used to analyse how value is created at each stage, from production to glossaryDeliveryDelivery is the process of building, testing, and releasing a product or feature.Open glossary term and support.
In context
Mapping it tends to find the step where value is added and nobody is accountable, usually a handover between two departments.
The reality
Weak links in the chain often sit outside digital - in operations, logistics, or support.
Compared with
Value Chain vs Service Blueprint
A value chain describes the organisation's activities in creating and delivering value, at a business level. A glossaryService BlueprintA service blueprint is a visual map that shows how a service is delivered, including frontstage and backstage processes.Open glossary term describes a specific glossaryServiceA service is a component or function that performs a specific task within a system.Open glossary term including what the customer sees. One is corporate anatomy, the other operational detail.
FAQ
Common questions
A few practical answers to the questions that usually come up around this term.
What is a value chain?
A value chain is the set of activities involved in creating and delivering a product or glossaryServiceA service is a component or function that performs a specific task within a system.Open glossary term.
Why is the value chain important?
It helps identify where value is created and where inefficiencies exist.
What are stages of a value chain?
Production, glossaryDeliveryDelivery is the process of building, testing, and releasing a product or feature.Open glossary term, marketing, and support.
How do you improve a value chain?
By identifying bottlenecks and optimising glossaryProcessA process is a defined sequence of steps used to achieve a specific outcome.Open glossary term.
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