Process Mapping

Process Mapping Software helps corporate governance


PROCESS MAPPING

|BPM software|BPM|business process reengineering|business process management Process Mapping (example below) is also known as Process Charting or Flow Charting. It is one of the oldest, simplest and most valuable techniques for streamlining work. It is also subtle and requires experienced facilitators for best results.

A process map visually depicts the sequence of events to build a product or produce an outcome. It may include additional information such as cycle time, inventory, and equipment information.

Several systems of conventions exist. At Strategos, we find that the original system invented by Frank Gilbreth in the early 1900's is still the most useful. The Gilbreth approach is highly visual and discriminates between waste and value-added activity. It is also simple, intuitive and easily used by untrained groups. An experienced facilitator, however, is required.

The figure below shows a Process Map example and instructions for its construction.

In most situations only the circle symbol (Operation) adds value. For more on added value versus waste, see "A Magical Moment With Dr. Shingo".
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Constructing a Process Flowchart
Step 1: Determine the Boundaries

1. Where does a process begin?
2. Where does a process end?

Step 2: List the Steps

1. Use a verb to start the task description.
2. The flowchart can either show the sufficient information to understand the general process flow or detail every finite action and decision point.

Step 3: Sequence the Steps

1. Use post-it notes so you can move tasks.
2. Do not draw arrows until later.

Step 4: Draw Appropriate Symbols

Start with the basic symbols:
1. Ovals show input to start the process or output at the end of the process.
2. Boxes or rectangles show task or activity performed in the process.
3. Arrows show process direction flow.
4. Diamonds show points in the process where a yes/no questions are asked or a decision is required.
5. Usually there is only one arrow out of an activity box. If there is more than one arrow, you may need a decision diamond.
6. If there are feedback arrows, make sure feedback loop is closed; i.e. it should take you back to the input box.

Step 5: System Model

1. Draw charts using system model approach.
2. Input - use information based upon people, machines, material, method, and environment.
3. Process - use subsets of processes in series or parallel.
4. Output - use outcomes or desired results.
5. Control - use best in class business rules.
6. Feedback - use information from surveys or feedback.

Step 6: Check for Completeness

1. Include pertinent chart information, using title and date for easy reference.

Step 7: Finalize the Flowchart

1. Ask if this process is being run the way it should be.
2. Are people following the process as charted?
3. Do we have a consensus?
4. What is redundant; add what is missing.

The purpose of process mapping is to use diagramming to understand the process we currently use and ask what is expected of us; what should we be doing to provide better customer focus and satisfaction. It will identify what best practices we need to incorporate and find appropriate benchmarks for measuring how we can arrive at better ways of communicating our services. As Dr. George Washington Carver put it ñ "It is simply service that measures success."



...My experience with FirstSTEP Charter for MS Visio has been a very positive one so far. Charter has presented my team and I an easy way to standardize the process mapping of our business processes. A definite plus is that Charter is an extremely user-friendly and an easy to learn application, and the technical staff has been excellent both in response time and problem solving skills when providing us with technical support.



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