Definition
The target map redrawn from the marked-up current state map according to flow, pull and takt; it must carry a deadline and be divided into loops, otherwise it is only a wish list.
In detail
A future state map is not drawn from scratch: it copies the parts of the current state that do not change and alters only what can be changed, and its timeline may not run past the target date set by the company's strategic planning. Merging steps into continuous flow, putting a FIFO lane or supermarket between flowing areas, and sending the schedule to a single pacemaker are the three most common moves. Once drawn it must be divided into loops, because the value stream plan is executed loop by loop; a future state map without loops cannot be turned into a plan.
Example in practice
The team merges three operations from the current state map into one continuous-flow cell and puts the rest on supermarket pull, cutting the lead time from 19.7 days to 10, then groups the improvement activities into information, supplier, manufacturing and pacemaker loops.