How do you leverage process mapping to identify and prioritize improvement opportunities and solutions?

1 What is process mapping?

Process mapping is a technique that involves creating a diagram or a chart that shows the steps, inputs, outputs, roles, and interactions of a process. A process is a series of actions or tasks that transform inputs into outputs to create value for customers or stakeholders. Process mapping can be done at different levels of detail and complexity, depending on the purpose and scope of the analysis. Some common types of process maps are flowcharts, swimlane diagrams, value stream maps, and SIPOC diagrams.

2 Why is process mapping important?

Process mapping is an essential tool to understand how your process works, identify sources of waste, variation, and inefficiency, and improve it. It can help document and standardize your process, communicate and align with your team and stakeholders, measure key performance indicators (KPIs) and benchmarks, eliminate bottlenecks, errors, rework, and delays, prioritize improvement opportunities and solutions, and monitor changes and improvements.

3 How to do process mapping?

Process mapping involves five key steps. Firstly, you must define the scope and objectives of the project, such as the process to be mapped and the goals and expectations. Secondly, you need to gather data and information, which can include documents, records, reports, metrics, customer feedback, stakeholder input, and observations. You may even use surveys, interviews, focus groups, or workshops. Thirdly, you must choose the type and format of your process map. Different tools and software can be used to create your process map. Symbols, colors, and labels can also be used to make it easier to understand. Fourthly, draw your process map from a high-level overview down to more detailed layers. Make sure to include all steps, inputs, outputs, roles, and interactions of your process. Finally validate and verify with your team and stakeholders. Lastly analyze your process map for gaps or inconsistencies. Compare the current state with the desired state to identify root causes of problems. Then prioritize improvement opportunities based on impact, feasibility, and urgency.

4 How to use process mapping for improvement?

Process mapping is a continuous cycle of improvement that should be regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changes and improvements. It should be used as a baseline and reference for measuring and monitoring performance, and as a communication and collaboration tool for engaging and empowering teams and stakeholders. Additionally, process mapping can be used as a learning and innovation tool for discovering and applying best practices and new ideas.

5 How to leverage process mapping with Lean Six Sigma?

Lean Six Sigma is a methodology that combines the principles of Lean and Six Sigma to improve processes by eliminating waste and reducing variation. Process mapping is an essential tool for applying Lean Six Sigma, as it supports all the phases of the DMAIC cycle: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control. With process mapping, you can define your process scope, objectives, and customers; measure your process performance and data; analyze your process flow, value, and waste; improve your process efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction; and control your process stability, consistency, and sustainability. It is a valuable skill for productivity improvement that can help you optimize your processes and achieve your goals. Process mapping provides a visual representation of workflow, information, and resources that can help you identify areas for improvement. It is a technique that can benefit any organization regardless of size, industry, or function.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?