What Is A Swimlane In Process Maps
Takeaway:
Swimlanes are used in process improvement initiatives because it helps identify bottlenecks, duplication, and other inefficiencies. The purpose and level of details are based on the need of the project and audience. Swimlanes aren't recommended for simple process maps because it can be complicated for leadership to interpret the issues visually.
Swimlanes are used to identify the departments or participants in the process. This breakdown provides detail on the parties involved and who's responsible for what.
Take a minute to examine the Pan-Seared Filet Mignon (Medium Rare) process map below and internalize it.
The Swimlanes identify the Grill Chef's and Waiter’s responsibilities and there's no argument on who's accountable for what.
Swimlanes can become complex process maps and visual aesthetics must be taken seriously. The 5 Golden Rules covered in the Process Mapping For Beginners can keep your diagrams clean and readable even for a person who has never seen a process map.