The aim of the article is to present stages realized in the process of improvement of the enterprise value chain and the characteristics of basic instruments used for searching directions to improve the efficiency of the enterprise value chain in order to increase its competitiveness in the market. The conducted analysis of the literature has allowed to explain the concept of the value chain. Furthermore, in the elaboration the scope of actions undertaken in the methodology to improve value chain was indicated and the classification of concepts and methods used for the improvement of the enterprise value chain was presented. The synthetic characteristics of selected management tools which can be used to improve the enterprise value chain, such as QFD method, value analysis, value stream mapping, ABC method, benchmarking, outsourcing, Lean Management, BSC, has a special position in the article.