Value chain mapping is a process that involves identifying and analyzing the activities and processes within an organization's value chain, from the sourcing of inputs to the delivery of products or services to customers. It aims to understand how value is created, added, and distributed throughout the chain. Value chain mapping helps organizations visualize and evaluate each step's contribution to the overall value proposition, identify areas of competitive advantage or inefficiency, and uncover opportunities for improvement, cost reduction, or differentiation. By mapping the value chain, organizations can optimize processes, streamline operations, and enhance overall value creation and delivery to customers.

Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), sometimes Cost Driver Analysis, Acquisition Cost or Value for Money (VfM), is an estimate of the true cost of buying a product or service. It is the sum of all costs incurred during acquisition, possession, utilization and disposition of a product or service. TCO is important because it represents a bigger picture beyond the basic purchase price and reflects the costs that aren’t necessarily included in the upfront pricing.