Top 3 Reasons We Love Process Maps
Process Maps are Integral to Every Business
Process map. The concept itself sounds boring and static; sort of like a document a consultant creates for you and gets filed away until it gets unceremoniously tossed in an office clean-up. But this is one you will want to create, reference and even update - and here’s why.
A well-done process map identifies - visually - what happens at each step of any core process within your business. No activity is too small to be considered. Those that are touched by more than one individual or department tend to bring about the most ‘aha’ moments, and those within a single person’s span of control help the individual identify areas where they may themselves become more efficient.
In terms of uses, a process map is valuable in the following ways:
It identifies the full scope of an activity: how many individuals, departments or providers are involved in the delivery of a given service or supporting function. The scale itself can be surprising! Often times, when it is completed and we step back looking at the finished product, we can quickly identify areas that are adding time, inefficiency, or frustration to the system. The key is getting it right and getting it visual.
It identifies areas that can be automated. As a business grows and evolves, processes and activities grow and evolve too, often with add-ons. Sort of like a run-on sentence. Taking a look at the products of each activity in a process allows for identification of items where technology can be leveraged, which often improves both speed and efficiency, as well as the individual’s experience (imagine not keying in dozens of numbers manually!).
It can be used as a training tool. Visual aids are an incredibly effective tool for new colleague to grasp the step-by-step in a process as well as who is involved at each of those steps.
Process maps are a versatile tool that is the first step in gaining efficiencies and alignment. In order to keep them relevant, they should be maintained and updated as processes change.
For more information and to find out how we can help your team with process efficiencies and automation, contact us here.