Process Mapping Methods
Business process mapping is a method used to create comprehensive, visual outlines of any process that consumes specific inputs to create specific outputs. Process mapping methods are designed to allow strategic decision makers to see all relevant components of a business process at a glance, providing them with more information for use in process redesign and improvement.
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Benefits
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According to odgroup.com, process maps are an effective aid for managers attempting to redesign business processes to increase efficiency, reduce cycle time, simplify workflows, expand production capabilities and ultimately to reduce costs while increasing revenues.
Components
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Process mapping involves more than simply viewing related tasks in sequential order. It should also include pertinent information such as costs, time requirements, personnel responsibilities and information flows to each activity node to gain a deeper strategic understanding of the mapped process.
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Flow Charts
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Flowcharts, in their simplest form, involve drawing nodes in sequential order, either from top to bottom or from left to right. Connect each node with arrows representing material flows and information flows. Different schemes have been devised to represent the basic characteristics of each node, such as using a square for a routine activity, a diamond for a decision point, and an oval for a holding point. According to it.toolbox.com, the Business Process Management Initiative (BPMI) is seeking to create standards for notation and other aspects of business process mapping.
A deployment chart, or swimlane chart, is a variation of the simple flowchart that denotes the parties responsible for each activity by creating a set of vertical columns, with each column representing a separate party, and laying out a simple flowchart from left to right, with each activity shown under the appropriate column. Parties represented by swimlane columns can be functional departments, individuals or entire companies (such as suppliers).
SIPOC Diagram
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A SIPOC (suppliers, inputs, process, outputs, customers) diagram is a process mapping method that combines requirements lists with simple flowcharts. SIPOC diagrams require creating extensive lists related to the suppliers used, required inputs, resultant outputs, and customers served. A simple flowchart is drawn between the listings of inputs and outputs and should be limited to four or five nodes, according to Quality Minds, Inc.
IDEF3
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IDEF3 belongs to the IDEF (Integration DEFinition) family of enterprise modeling languages, which encompasses such activities as information modeling, data modeling and function modeling. IDEF3 provides a methodology for mapping the various unfinished states of the product/service at different points along the process in addition to the activities and resource flows. IDEF3 also involves the use of logic nodes, which list conditional criteria and connect to different activities depending on the outcome of the criteria test.
Value Stream Mapping
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Creating a value stream map involves much the same process as creating a simple flowchart but with a different purpose. In addition to listing material and information flows, costs and times, value stream maps contain information related to the value added along each step. Certain nodes along the mapped process directly create value by altering the product and bringing it one step closer to distribution. Other activities do not add value but still produce costs. The objective of value stream mapping is to eliminate all steps in a process that do not directly add value to the product.
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References
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Bill Slawski
