Process improvement starts with identifying all the processes within the organization and often results in what is known as a Process Map (click for example). This provides a graphical representation of the way the work flows from person to person and department to department. When you map a very fragmented process, it's easy to quickly find areas that should be changed or eliminated. Some key points are listed below:

 

What is a Process Map?

• A pictorial representation of the sequence of actions that comprise a process.

• It provides an opportunity to learn about work that is being performed.

• American organizational theorist Dr. Myron Tribus said, “You don’t learn to Process Map, You Process Map to learn.”

• Most processes today are undocumented.

 

Why do we create Process Maps?

• To document processes and provide a reference to discuss how things get done.

• To describe and understand the work:

  • Analyze and improve on processes

  • Identify of areas of complexity and re-work

  • Generate ideas for improvement

  • Illustrate process improvements