Process mapping happens early in a business transformation. It defines the tasks that lead to the delivery of your product or service, or that achieve your business goals. As such, getting it right will set you on the right track for your business transformation.

We look at how to start creating a basic process map, and why there’s still a place for the humble workshop.

 

What’s the difference between process mining, mapping, and modelling?

Mapping, mining, and modelling sound similar, especially if you’re new to business transformation. They’re all part of the process definition or discovery stage of a transformation project, but there are some key differences.

Table highlighting the differences between process mining, mapping, and modelling

 

What does a process map look like?

Different types of map suit different processes. Identifying the problem at the start of the journey will help you choose the most appropriate map.

For example a flowchart is a versatile style. You can adapt it to many different processes or situations to show how a sequential process works. Swimlanes are good for identifying cross-functional processes that involve multiple people from different teams.

 

Five steps to creating a basic process map

Representing your process as a diagram can make it easier to understand, particularly if it’s long and complicated. How do you start? According to BusinessOptix there are five key steps:

  1. Set the context – are you seeking an opportunity or solving a problem?
  2. Define your goals – what are you hoping to achieve or change? Set this first so you know what you’re aiming for
  3. Identify knowledge sources – who knows how this process, or part of it, is done? Or where you can find the information?
  4. Identify current processes – observe, ask questions, run workshops, establish tasks, roles and responsibilities
  5. Create overall process map – combine insights to generate a master map of the process

Five steps to creating a process map

Source: BusinessOptix

 

Run a workshop to gain full visibility of the process

Gathering information is at the heart of process mapping.

And, even in this online age, an in-person workshop using sticky notes and whiteboards is an invaluable tool. You’ve probably already done this in your organisation without realising it was process mapping.

Once you’ve mapped a process, it’s easier to analyse and refine it. You’ll gain a rounded view of the process from pooling the knowledge and experience of its participants. Have you got tasks but no-one to do them, or too many people doing the same task? What are the key milestones? Which tasks add value and which could you remove?

You’ll probably need different workshops for different processes so don’t try to cover everything in one go.

 

You can use technology to automate the workshop stage

The BusinessOptix platform will define your processes from end to end, allowing multiple stakeholders to have an input. Discover more about its process mining, mapping and modelling capabilities.

We can help you integrate BusinessOptix functionality into your systems (and run a workshop). Contact us for support with your business transformation.

 

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