Guide to Process Mapping

What is Process Mapping?

Process maps show the sequence of process steps.  As a simple example, at an online retailer, a process for "fulfilling an order" might include: (1) picking items in the order, (2) packing the order, and (3) delivering the package to the customer.

Why is Process Mapping Important?

Process maps serve several purposes.  They help us communicate a process to those who will use it or be affected by it.  (That includes training new staff members on the process.)  It also supports our efforts to improve a process.  Before we can improve it, we must first understand it.  Process mapping is an important step in gaining that understanding.

Process Mapping Steps

1. Document the "as is" process using paper or post-it notes
2. Create the "as is" process map in software
3. Share the "as is" process map to confirm your understanding
4. Identify opportunities for improving the process
5. Create the "to be" process map in software

Common Process Symbols

Shown below are the most commonly used symbols on process maps.  There are 100s of possible symbols that could be used, but these are sufficient for most cases.

Swim Lanes

Swim lanes are used to clarify who performs each activity in the process.

Things to Remember

• Activities should begin with a verb (“pack the order”).
• Activities should have at least 1 arrow in and 1 arrow out.
• Decisions should be a question and have “yes” and “no” outputs.
• It should always have a start and end terminator.
• A swim lane could be a person or a system.
• Your chart should have a descriptive title and short summary.
• It should NOT have lines that are diagonal or that cross other shapes.

Practice - Microsoft PowerPoint

Let's try this in Microsoft PowerPoint.  Here is a TEMPLATE that you can use to follow along with the video.