Learning to See Two parallel lines with FIFO written between them and an arrow pointing along them

FIFO lane

A lane between two processes that holds a limited number of parts in the order they arrived, first in, first out. The icon is two parallel lines with FIFO written between them, often with the maximum quantity.

Easily confused with

SupermarketA controlled store of parts that the next process takes from as it needs them, with the supplying process making only enough to refill it. The supermarket icon is a box open on the left with shelves across it.

How to read it

The Lean Enterprise Institute defines FIFO as making sure the first part to enter a process or storage location is the first to leave it. On the shop floor, it says, the lane is often a painted lane or channel holding a set amount, and when it fills up the supplying process stops until the next process uses some. The UW-Stout study says the icon is used where processes are connected by a FIFO system that limits input, such as an accumulating roller conveyor, and that the map records the maximum the lane can hold.

Also searched as: fifo lane symbol, fifo vsm, first in first out lane, value stream map fifo lane.

Look-alikes

A Supermarket holds a stock of each part to choose from; a FIFO lane passes parts on in one fixed sequence. An Inventory triangle triangle has no limit.

More value stream mapping symbols

All value stream mapping symbols

The same shape elsewhere

Browse symbols drawn with arrows, letters and numbers or lines.

Sources

First In, First Out (FIFO), Lexicon term, Lean Enterprise Institute, Definition
Value Stream Mapping at XYZ Company, Madhubala Rauniyar, MS research paper, May 2007, Appendix A: Value Stream Process symbols, University of Wisconsin-Stout (MINDS@UW), Appendix A, FIFO Lane

Researched, edited and approved by Rory Hansen before publishing. Last reviewed October 9, 2026. How we research

Added October 9, 2026.

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