Feature
Capturing Reality -
Preparing a Process MapPreviously,
we discussed collecting the data that is needed to prepare a process map.
In review, we capture data at the workplace, we interview experienced employees
and we capture facts by identifying the documents (manual and electronic) – the
items on which the information is captured, used and stored. We follow the flow
of these items and capture what happens to them and how they relate to each
other. The documents are the foundation of a good, readable process map.
Mapping the documents and their relationships is what makes the map easy to
understand. So, with this information in hand, we are ready to prepare a
reality-based, detailed process map; a map that anybody in our organization can
understand and that our process team (made up of experienced employees who are
directly involved in the process) can relate to - a map they can use it to make
informed improvement decisions.
Read the
complete paper...
Musing
Are Box
and Arrow Process Maps all we Need?...
You've undoubtedly seen them. Boxes, arrows
and diamonds winding there way around a page in an effort to describe a business
process. Do they really help you understand the process? When
describing the flow of a computer system or program (which is what they were
designed to do), these flowcharts can be useful. After all, we know that
the flowchart is always referring to the program or system. But business
processes are not the same as computer systems.When programming flowcharts are used to
describe and improve business processes, they simply don't provide the
information needed. With business processes, instead of one computer
program or system, we have numerous documents, forms, emails, spreadsheets,
reports, web pages - even multiple systems and applications. It leaves out
too much when they are all simply rolled into ambiguous activity boxes.
The high-level nature of these charts makes processes LOOK simple when they
aren't.
The less you know about something, the easier
it seems.
And, when using
programming flowcharts to describe business processes, that less is a critical
less.
What do you
think?
If you have comments or
thoughts you would like to share with our readers, send them to:
Here's a
thought...
On the Road to Mastery
Business Process
Improvement Workshops
Our next workshop is coming up soon March 5-7 in Dayton, OH.
Spend three days immersing yourself in process improvement method with Dr. Ben S
Graham, Jr and myself. Our limited class sizes allow for plenty of
one-on-one and personalized discussion.
Registration is $1195.00/attendee
with a 10% discount for 2 or more.
Call
800-628-9558 today to
reserve your seat.
US Workshop schedule
...Overview
Software
http://www.processchart.com
I wish you the
best with your process work.
Ben B. Graham
ben.graham@worksimp.com
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