Business Process Mapping Methods

Process maps allow managers to visualize the steps in a business.

Managers interested in improving their business or organization can often benefit from a process map, or visual depiction of their business process. Sometimes, a business process is extremely difficult to explain. But if each step is diagrammed using a specific set of criteria, then the business process can be more easily viewed and understood. Some common process maps are the Flow Diagram, the Deployment Flow Chart, the SIPOC Diagram and the Value Stream Map.

Flow Diagram

Often a manager or team leader can benefit by showing each step in a process. For instance, an office manager may be assigned a task to streamline the flow of paperwork in the office. The manager could use a Flow Diagram to show each step in the paperwork process. Flow Diagrams normally use specific symbols to show types of action. Elongated circles identify the start and the end of the process, rectangles show each specific action and diamonds show decision points. When each step is identified the entire process can be studied and streamlined.

Deployment Flow Chart

A Deployment Flow Chart is designed to identify each work task accomplished by every individual in an organization. These charts are used to identify employees who are either overworked or underworked. The workflow can then be more evenly distributed. These charts commonly show each worker across the top of the chart and then show each task the organization accomplishes below the listed workers. Each worker's tasks are then easily tallied and adjusted.

SIPOC Diagram

SIPOC stands for suppliers/inputs/process/output/customers. The SIPOC Diagram is any specific type of process map that shows a list of all the suppliers, inputs, outputs and customers. This is a complex map used by managers to view every element of a business process. Commonly the SIPOC diagram map has columns for each element. For instance, a paper manufacturer may have wood pulp, water, chemicals and electricity as a sum of the listings under the supplier column. When all the data is tallied under each column, managers and work teams can then more easily see the interrelationship between all the pieces of data.

Value Stream Map

A value stream map is a complex process map that shows the existing process and a future desired process. To accomplish a value stream map a team leader chooses team members from all important parts of an organization. This team develops a flowchart showing the existing process. The team then uses brainstorming to project what the process would be in a perfect desired state. After the future process is established, the team uses both maps to devise ways to change the existing process into the future process.

References

• Understanding data flow diagrams
• Accelerated improvement
• Root cause analysis
• Value stream mapping
• Lean 101 - SIPOC