How to Choose The Right Process Mapping Method

There are many different approaches to process mapping, and choosing the right one to apply can seem daunting. This article walks you through some of the more commonly used types of process maps and provides the benefits of each.

See the resources section below this article for useful links for further reading.

Instructions

1. 

   Basic Flowchart. A basic flowchart is the simplest to create. It shows the flow from one step to the next and often includes basic information such as who performs a particular step or how long a step takes. Basic process maps are useful for sketching out an "As Is" or "To Be" process and serve as the basis for more complex types of maps.

2. 

   Swimlane diagrams. Sometimes called deployment maps or cross functional flowcharts, swimlane diagrams add lanes to a basic flowchart that provide a visual representation of handoffs and coordination between different departments or roles. Swimlane diagrams are most useful for demonstrating the roles, responsibilities, and interaction between different functions.

3. 

   Value Stream Map. Commonly used in Lean and Six Sigma initiatives, value stream maps are primarily used to identify problems and opportunities for improvement in a process. Value stream maps are typically much more complex than a basic flowchart and provide a great deal of information. Information captured can include information such as process times, wait times, inventory levels, defects, or throughput levels. Value stream maps can be used to discover bottlenecks, non-value added tasks, waste, and inefficiencies in a process.

4. 

   SIPOC Diagram. A SIPOC diagram is a high level process map that provides an overview the entire process, from supplier to customer. It is commonly used in Six Sigma projects during the Define phase to provide an understanding of a process at the macro level. The SIPOC diagram consists of five columns: Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, and Customers. SIPOC diagrams are best used to capture the big picture.

5. 

   Spaghetti diagram. Spaghetti diagrams, sometimes referred to as spaghetti maps, show the flow of materials through various areas, departments, or physical spaces. Maps of airline flight routes are a common example of a spaghetti diagram. Spaghetti diagrams are most useful for finding inefficiencies in the layout of a shop floor or office, but can also be used to show unnecessary handoffs in digital environments.

Tips & Warnings

• Different process mapping methods lend themselves to different aspects of a process. It is often wise to use more than one method for representing a process.

• Process mapping is useful in any number of business applications and is a great skill set to hone.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Process Mapping, Process Improvement and Process Management
• The Basics of Process Mapping
• Mapping Work Processes
• Value Stream and Process Mapping: The Strategos Guide
• Business Process Mapping: Improving Customer Satisfaction
• The Complete Lean Enterprise: Value Stream Mapping for Administrative and Office Processes
• Value Stream Mapping: The Complete Guide to Production and Transactional Mapping