Process map (Flow chart)
A Process Map or a flowchart is a picture of the separate steps of a process in sequential order. Also called: process flowchart or process flow diagram.
Elements that may be included in a Process Map are: sequence of actions, materials or services entering or leaving the process (inputs and outputs), decisions that must be made, people who become involved, time involved at each step and/or process measurements. An example of high level Process Map is:
The process described can be anything: a manufacturing process, an administrative or service process, a project plan. This is a generic tool that can be adapted for a wide variety of purposes.
To understand better the process, it is recommended to detail the process map, to provide sufficient information.
Use a Processs Map:
- To develop understanding of how a process is done;
- To study a process for improvement;
- To communicate to others how a process is done;
- When better communication is needed between people involved with the same process;
- When planning a project.
How to Create a Top-Down Process Map:
- Define the process to be diagrammed. Write its title at the top of the work surface;
- Agree on the start point and end point for the process; Discuss and decide on the level of detail to be included in the diagram;
- Identify four to eight major steps or phases to describe the process from beginning to end. List those steps horizontally across a flip chart page;
- Break each major step into three to seven sub steps and list these under the corresponding major step;
- Review the map, and make corrections as necessary. Rearrange steps, combine sub steps, or revise the descriptions of major steps or sub steps so they accurately describe the process;
- Review the flowchart with others involved in the process (workers, supervisors, suppliers, customers) to see if they agree that the process is drawn accurately.
