You have permission to publish this article free of charge, as long as
resource box is included with article. If you do run my article, a courtesy reply to sean@bizmanualz.com would be greatly appreciated. This article is 927 words long including resource box. Thanks for your interest.Part Three of a Four-Part Series
Part One: Process Improvement
Part Two: Core Processes
Next Week: Six Sigma Tools
Did you know that you should always create a process map for every procedure or system of procedures that you develop? And did you know that, like a table of contents, this will create stronger communication and better understanding in your organization?
How do you do this?
Identify Core Processes
Last time, we followed money trail and identified your business’ core processes. We discussed where to best start a change in one of those core processes. And we introduced technique of producing a process map. So this week, let’s take a further look at how to create a process map – and see how it creates knowledge to benefit you and your organization.
Use Process Map as Communication Tool
A process map is a flow diagram of primary processes within an organization. It very specifically shows you both who and what is involved in a process, as well as requirements for that process to be effective. The primary goal is to use map as a communication tool. It is to show sequence of interactions of elements involved in process. And so process maps are drawn and used by organizations to achieve several benefits:
•Increase process understanding •Clarify process boundaries, ownership and effectiveness measures •Identify process sequences •Isolate core processes, bottlenecks and opportunities for improvement •Clarify interaction of Customer, Supplier, Management and Operations processes •Provide a tool for training and discussion
In other words, a process map details what happens first, second and third in a process. It shows what happens in each step along way. And this is drawn in graphical form for easier communication and understanding.
This type of map shows “big picture” of 10-20 core processes within an organization. The map also shows critical elements within each section and its importance within whole system. And these sections, or bands, are what relate processes to each other AND to outside suppliers and customers.
Link Suppliers and Customers
Although there are several ways to draw a process map, basic diagram is typically constructed in four bands. And these four bands link together Customers, Primary Processes, Secondary Processes and Suppliers.
