How do you show the value of process maps?

1 Identify the purpose

Before you create or present a process map, you need to clarify the purpose and scope of your process design project. What problem are you trying to solve? What are the goals and objectives of your process improvement initiative? Who are the target audience and users of your process map? How will you measure the success and impact of your process map? By answering these questions, you can define the value proposition of your process map and align it with the needs and expectations of your stakeholders.

2 Choose the right format

Process maps can take different forms and levels of detail, depending on the purpose and audience of your project. For example, you can use a high-level flowchart to show the overall structure and sequence of a process, a swimlane diagram to show the roles and responsibilities of different actors, or a value stream map to show the value and waste in a process. You can also use different symbols, colors, and annotations to highlight key information and insights. Choose the format that best suits your purpose and audience, and make sure your process map is clear, consistent, and accurate.

3 Communicate the benefits

Once you have created your process map, it's essential to communicate the benefits and outcomes of your process design project to your stakeholders, customers, and team members. You can do this by utilizing various methods and channels, such as reports, presentations, workshops, or online platforms. For example, process maps can help you identify and eliminate inefficiencies, errors, and risks in your process, resulting in cost savings, quality improvement, and customer satisfaction. Furthermore, they can help you standardize and optimize your process to ensure compliance, consistency, and best practices across your organization. Additionally, process maps enable you to engage and empower your team members by fostering collaboration, innovation, and ownership of your process. Lastly, they help you document and share your process knowledge which facilitates training, learning, and knowledge transfer.

4 Seek feedback and improvement

Finally, you need to seek feedback and improvement for your process map and your process design project. You can do this by inviting comments, suggestions, and questions from your stakeholders, customers, and team members, and by collecting and analyzing data and metrics related to your process performance. By doing this, you can validate the value of your process map, identify areas for improvement, and implement changes and updates as needed. You can also use feedback and improvement as an opportunity to celebrate your achievements and recognize your team members.

5 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?