How to Create a Process Map The Easy Way

Process Mapping made Simple

With so many shapes and symbols to choose from, making a process map can be a daunting experience. Don't be discouraged. You can map any process using just a few key symbols. This not only makes it easier for you to create, it's also easier for anyone to follow. You won't need any fancy tools or software either. You can use post-it notes (my personal favorite), a whiteboard, paper, or PowerPoint. Process mapping software such as Visio is an option, but is not essential.

See the resources section at the bottom of this page for more information.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. 

   Start/Stop. Use an oval to denote the beginning and end of a process. This makes it easy for readers to identify where to begin and end.

2. 

   Process Step. Use rectangles for each process step. Add any pertinent information here. What happens? Who does it? How long does it take? How much inventory is at this step?

3. 

   Decision. Use diamonds for decision points. Use decision points any time the process splits. Make sure you annotate the arrows exiting a decision so readers know which route to follow for any given scenario.

4. 

   Arrows. Use arrows to show the flow from one step to the next. Label arrows with important information such as answers to decision points, or annotations of work items that are moving.

Tips & Warnings

• When drafting a process map, use square post-it notes. If you forget a step or need to move something around, you can easily readjust them without starting over.

• Whenever possible, the flow should move from left to right.

Resources

• Workflow Modeling: Tools for Process Improvement and Application Development
• Process Mapping, Process Improvement and Process Management
• The Basics of Process Mapping
• Business Process Mapping: Improving Customer Satisfaction
• The Complete Lean Enterprise: Value Stream Mapping for Administrative and Office Processes