Business Process Mapping Basics

In the same way as companies maintain their organizational charts, they can also have process maps that provide a clear picture of the way work flows within the company. These maps create a vocabulary which helps people in discussing ways to improve the processes.

This map graphically depicts a process, showing the precise sequence of tasks by using the standard flowcharting symbols. A map of the work is an exact picture of the way people execute. These work process maps are quite similar to the road maps in a sense that they have several alternate routes that will ultimately accomplish an objective.

Most of the companies doing mapping for the first time usually have two main objectives: thy want enhanced lucidity of, and operational compliance to, their daily events. Though they may have many reasons for mapping but mostly it is to significantly improve their operational competence and effectiveness or to manage some kind of alternative program.

Under any particular circumstance, one of the routes may be much better than others. Therefore, by making a process map, different alternatives get displayed which results in more effective planning.

The mapping process consists of:

1. Selection of the process to be mapped
2. Defining the process
3. Mapping the primary process
4. Mapping the alternative paths
5. Mapping the inspection points
6. Using the mapping for improving the process

Processes usually correspond to normal business activities. But in a modern business setup, such normal processes are actually fragmented amongst different departments. An elaborate process map gives an integrated picture of the normal process. Undue focus on organizational hierarchies results in processes becoming unmanageable.

Drawing a process map can be an easy task. The symbols which are used are rather simple and some software like, Microsoft Visio, can help in drawing a map. The toughest part in this is to identify the starting point. Where to start and what to write in the first activity box on the map.

Creating a blueprint or foundation will help in getting started on this step because blueprint will include boundaries (where process begins and ends). Whatever is identified in the blueprint is written inside the first box on the map. From that point onwards, the rest of the drawing process become much easier.

In most of the cases, when several persons are working on the process, their assistance would be needed in drawing this map because each of the steps in the process is not known to one single person. At the very least, person drawing the map should have adequate resources which can answer all his or her questions as they arise.

About the Author

Jay Wilson is a business process mapping consultant and part time blogger concerning anything related to business process improvement, mapping, management, analysis, etc.

Posted in Management skills