How to Do Process Mapping in Visio

Visio is an application enabling users to graphically illustrate work flow.

Process maps graphically represent work flow inputs, outputs and action steps. Efficient companies use process mapping tools to graphically represent processes. Graphical representation of process maps allows readers to easily understand work flow to determine issues. Visio is a work flow designing application that allows users to create process maps with ease.

Things You'll Need

• Microsoft Visio

Instructions

1. Create a new process map style. On the Visio start screen, choose a process map style to create with appropriate units to display (U.S. or metric) and click on "Create" on the lower, right side. Otherwise, select a style by using "New" under the "File" menu.

2. Select the shapes to illustrate your process map. The left-hand side of your screen provides access to a variety of basic process mapping shapes, such as process steps, decision points, documents, data and storage, terminators and on- and off-page references. Click on the required symbol and drag it to the area on the page to be placed.

3. Label steps for clarification. Click on the shape and type in the label. Visio automatically adjusts the font size to your image needs. This can be re-adjusted under the "Tools" then "Options" in the file menu.

4. Select the types of connectors between your work flow shapes. The left side of the page is an area to select various types of arrows. Depending on the arrow, you can illustrate the method of connection between your process steps.

5. Continue adding process steps until your process mapping is complete.

References

• Visio 2010

Resources

• Microsoft Visio
• Microsoft Visio 2010