Process mapping swim lanes. Since the 1970s, when the quality movement took hold in the United States, the. Process mapping swim lanes

 
 Since the 1970s, when the quality movement took hold in the United States, theProcess mapping swim lanes  Like other process-diagramming techniques, with the Rummler-Brache method you map processes linearly

Professionally designed swim lanes in visually appealing slides. Swim lanes should always be horizontal where roles are placed on the left-hand side. Drop them when you see the orange connection indicator appear in the place you want the swimlane to go. The first step in creating your swimlane diagram in Excel is to adjust the height and width of the cells in your spreadsheet. Mirroring the lanes of a swimming pool, this type. Frame the process and start building! 14 Yes •Identify the actors…the organizations that will participate in this cross-cutting process map •Describe the process narrative…we’ll build a community-healthcare partnership workflow example •Frame the process by determining the start or ‘trigger’ event and what concludes the processThe Swim Lane Diagram is just one of several forms of business process mapping that companies can implement. e. These can be found in the AutoShapes tab at the drawing tool bar at the bottom of the PowerPoint. A cross-functional flowchart, also known as swimlane flowchart is a type of flowchart that helps describe business process. Departments (also called swim lanes) divide the steps horizontally. Mapping the experience to the delivery. A cross-functional process map answers the following questions. Process maps can be built in the usual way wherein sequence is the primary concern or in the swim lane pattern. Processes and decisions are visually grouped in these lanes, the arrows between them can be used to represent how information or. In the Categories list, click Flowchart. Use the set of special professionally developed swim lane flowchart symbols - single, multiple, vertical and horizontal lanes from the Swimlanes and Swimlanes BPMN 1. Additionally, it can be used to identify the value-add activities, non-value-add activities, and delays in order to optimize the process. These maps are also called Business Process Diagrams and Business. Departments (also called swim lanes) divide the steps horizontally. Process Mapping. The diagram displays the connections and the handoffs between members' tasks, which helps you figure out the flaws and. Document. A key to Business Process Management, it visually depicts a detailed sequence of business activities and information flows needed to complete a process. 4. Add swimlanes to process maps and flowcharts effortlessly. You should use consistent and. Swimlane diagrams make it easy to see an entire workflow and indicate who will take on each step from start-to-finish. Very fast video on how to create and use a Swim Lane Process MapGitMind. The difference between the two is that a process map typically outlines steps in detail while a workflow diagram gives a visual representation of them. This update, which is available to Visio Pro for Office 365 users, helps reduce manual steps while giving business analysts even more. When the shape is contained in the swimlane, the swimlane shows a green highlight. Learn how to draw Visio Swimlane Process Flow Diagram in this Step by Step Tutorial. Add swimlane containers. Includes the map title, persona, scenario (the specific experience being mapped), and corresponding goals and expectations of the user. Add swimlane containers. 1. Before moving forward, format the height and width of the cells; for the horizontal diagram, wide the columns included in the chart by dragging the boundaries of the columns to the right side up to the desired extent. Value stream mapping, or “material or information-flow mapping,” is a visual tool. Even if technical service departments become more project focused for some activities, processing orders and materials continues to be a primary aspect of this core library functional area. The defining characteristic of this diagram are the parallel lanes that divides the entire chart. Now, map the start of the process by writing down the first step or task that puts it into motion. 2. Example of swim lane process map hiring What are the benefits of using a swim lane process map? Creating swim lanes for processes between process roles. Dive deep into your workflow. To recap: Start/End: this shows where your flow begins or ends. Business Process Mapping details the steps that a business takes to complete a process, such as hiring an employee or ordering and shipping a product. Identify the outputs. 2 libraries from the Business Process Diagram solution, the Swim Lanes library from the Business Process Mapping solution as the perfect basis for your Swim Lane Flowcharts. SIPOC diagram with swimlanes. TIMESTAMPSWhat is Process Mappi. how each participant interacts with the process, by drawing arrows between the steps in the swimlanes. Here are the steps you need to follow to make a basic swimlane diagram in Microsoft Visio: Open Visio and select the type of process flowchart you want to create. After you add a department, you can add a phase. Remember to include the connections between the different lanes, and add details about the deadlines and who’s responsible for each task. mabts. Process maps help you to understand and to communicate the activities, or steps, in a process. Create a process map that best describes the sequential flow and relationship of the steps in your process. You can use this to: Identify the most important elements of a process before you create a more detailed map. Subscribe on YouTube: S. You use Swimlanes to group process tasks according to the actor (employee) who performs. Step 3: Document the process. See full list on process. Much like a. This course will provide the breadth and depth to get most organizations started in improving business processes. Below is the same process map as above, but with swim lanes. Click INSERT > Shapes, and point to a shape for a Screen Tip to see its essential purpose. The first step in drawing a process map is to select a connecting arrow to connect the boxes (process steps) and diamonds (decision boxes). Process maps are a powerful planning and management tool that help you improve and streamline a process's workflow. Below is the same process map as above, but with swim lanes. Swim lanes are visual elements used in Business Process Maps, Process Flow Diagrams and Flowcharts. Moreover, it helps ensure that teams follow each step of your workflow in their prescribed order. May 1, 2017. This classic swim-lane flowchart defines the process of making pizza in a restaurant. Create swimlanes. Process Map Swimlane Diagram Template Process mapping is an essential part of strategy planning and management, which helps people across departments see a process landscape. 2 libraries from the Business Process Diagram solution, the Swim Lanes library from the Business Process Mapping solution as the perfect basis for your Swim Lane Flowcharts. Businesses can use process maps to design and plan new projects, document processes, encourage autonomy, communicate ideas and analyze work efficiency. Next, list down the departments,. It allows any team member to be able to easily. If you would like to learn about the various symbols used in flowcharts, see our post about how to make a flowchart. To create a swimlane diagram in PowerPoint: You need to make use of the right shape for the right purpose for your swimlane diagram. A swimlane diagram is useful for ensuring every actor in a process understands their role in the overall picture. From process flows to swimlanes, here are the four different types of. A swim-lane flowchart uses separate columns, or swim lanes, to track each task or activity in a process. It can be used in varying degrees by small businesses or large industries. How to manually make a swimlane diagram in PowerPoint. For a bug tracking process, the input would be a new bug found; and the output a bug solved. Today's hours: 8:00 a. Where we have some disagreement is in whether or not it is. For a horizontal swimlane diagram, you can widen your columns by highlighting all of the columns that you will need, and then dragging from the boundary on the right side of. This article explores the use of user-interface (UI) design software, like Figma or Sketch, for building high-fidelity, interactive UX maps. Here are six types of business process mapping tools with examples you can use to track business activities: 1. Each step should be as granular as possible. It helps in. When the shape is contained in the swimlane, the swimlane shows a green highlight. EML Environmental Mapping Ltd. Swimlanes are one of the primary mapping tools used in design processes. Use the set of special professionally developed swim lane flowchart symbols - single, multiple, vertical and horizontal lanes from the Swimlanes and Swimlanes BPMN 1. SIPOC is an acronym that helps stakeholders identify the key elements of a process. These are. Use a cross-functional process map to illustrate the sequential steps of a process or a procedure as they cross departments and phases. Process mapping will usually depict the consecutive. Once you map your solar installation process in a swimlane diagram, expectations of your processes become clear and your business will begin to function more efficiently. Use the set of special professionally developed swim lane flowchart symbols - single, multiple, vertical and horizontal lanes from the Swimlanes and Swimlanes BPMN 1. Various software products are available in the market. ConceptDraw PRO diagramming and vector drawing software extended with Business Process Mapping Solution from the Business Processes Area of ConceptDraw Solution Park is ideal for drawing Business Process Maps and Swim. 2 libraries from the Business Process Diagram solution, the Swim Lanes library from the Business Process Mapping solution as the perfect basis for your Swim Lane Flowcharts. Every person working in the organization executes a process, but who holds the final. Escalate issues faster. 2 libraries from the Business Process Diagram solution, the Swim Lanes library from the Business Process Mapping solution as the perfect basis for your Swim Lane Flowcharts. Businesses can use process maps to design and plan new projects, document processes, encourage autonomy, communicate ideas and analyze work efficiency. For businesses, swimlane diagrams are helpful in process mapping and project. Ultimately, it depends on the process you’re mapping and who’s involved. This is important because all too often, business. Examples of swimlanes include the customer, account department, payment gateway, and development team. They show the “who,” “what,” “when,” “where” and “how” for these steps, and help to analyze the “why. 4. You can quickly add vertical or horizontal swimlanes with a click of a button. io’ is and learn how to use it efficiently in creating process maps. It includes information on the key steps of a process – who’s in charge of what, what are the tasks that need to be done, and what’s the sequence of tasks that need to be completed. 2 libraries from the Business Process Diagram solution, the Swim Lanes library from the Business Process Mapping solution as the perfect basis for your Swim Lane Flowcharts of processes, algorithms and procedures. Below is an example of a process map for a hiring interview process, utilizing the simple process symbols. Use the set of special professionally developed swim lane flowchart symbols - single, multiple, vertical and horizontal lanes from the Swimlanes and Swimlanes BPMN 1. 3. Click the Cross Functional Flowchart template, and then click Create. No more having to use Microsoft Visio when you can download in PPT directly and just edit the text to get started. A process map is a graphical representation of a process. 3. Then add some information about the steps (like cycle times, number of workers, etc. These intention be of swimlanes into unser diagram. The more stakeholders involved in a project, the easier it is for roles to blend into one another and for responsibilities to get jumbled up. 1. Phases divide the steps vertically. Pools are the largest component of a BPMN diagram. Unlike normal flowchart diagrams, swimlane diagram can show both the roles of the participants and their names. 1. Swim Lane diagrams are the variety of process flow diagrams and are based on the IDEF3 standard. Pools represent the participants. Once the process map is finalized, the draft should be converted into an electronic document. As the name implies, the chosen process is mapped from left to right and resembles pool swim lanes. All you need is the following four notations. 0 diagram. is a Canadian company that specializes in shoreline mapping and imaging, resource inventory, computer database design, and oil spill. When we plan projects, analyzing options is a critical part of our process. Most of this detail is missing from Swim Lane Diagrams or is inconsistent across business functions. ClickUp Kanban for Software Development Template 9. Process maps also help you to see the relationships between inputs and outputs in a process and to identify key. . Process Modelling is used to understand the flow of tasks in both current and future processes. The process map is called a “swimlane” because the map resembles a pool with lanes identifying the different process groups. They all move forward across the pool. 3. A simple way to increase the insight of a process map is to add swimlanes, which segments a process by “who” completes different steps. 2 libraries from the Business Process Diagram solution, the Swim Lanes library from the Business Process Mapping solution as the perfect basis for your Swim Lane Flowcharts. The more stakeholders involved in a project, the easier it is for roles to blend into one another and for responsibilities to get. Maintain consistent use of colors and shapes to signify the different types of steps in the process. List and order the actions. These lanes are typically depicted as horizontal or vertical bands and are allocated to individuals, departments, or teams involved in the process. These visuals help to manage workflows. Swimlanes is the perfect tool for waste hunting in administrative processes, because you see a couple of wastes. Identify the actors involved in the process and assign them to different lanes. It portrays all the cycle steps and the choices taken all the while. The step-by-step approach for creating current and future state metrics-based. Swim lanes is a technique used in process mapping to simplify the work procedure. The subtask is the "pool" and the "lanes" represent people or departments. øóŠ¯K -§$¸,Çå¥b³Ÿ¿§µŠg õ’¢£^c@Ø ¦µà sØO 2ý0—Áj !*‹1vƵ=À [*ä=Û ¬t·ø O!¸cÆÝ. It helps you establish standards and procedures or can be used as a guide for tasks. Rotate the labels of your swimlanes from vertical to horizontal, and vice versa. Swim lane diagrams can be used to analyse different types of processes, from simple to complex. Use Levels. Step 8: Validate the Process Map. Review the process map with the process mapping team and other relevant stakeholders. It is split into 4 swim lanes: customer actions, frontstage actions, backstage actions, and support processes. ⭐️⭐️⭐️ GET THIS TEMPLATE PLUS 52 MORE here: Ready made and ready. Advantages of Process Mapping. BPMN diagram symbols are categorized into four main groups: flow objects, connecting objects, swimlanes, and artifacts. What forms of waste or potential errors can be detected by good process mapping (include. Business Process Mapping is a visual representation of your business processes. These will be the swimlanes in our diagram. An experienced user spent 15 minutes creating this sample. This is because each group of participants is recorded separately and the time taken. Process Mapping practice to identify and understand who is supplying and what to each of the steps in a process flow, and what these steps are outputting and to whom. The first step in drawing a process map is to select a connecting arrow to connect the boxes (process steps) and diamonds (decision boxes). Truvle's process mapping software takes swim lanes to the next level by providing a user-friendly interface, offering customization options, and ensuring visual clarity. A swimlane diagram is a visual project management tool that helps distinguish key roles, organizes processes, and illustrates interactions. list the process stakeholders (based on how close they are to the process customer) starting with the process customer. 2 libraries from the Business Process Diagram solution, the Swim Lanes library from the Business Process Mapping solution as the perfect basis for your Swim Lane Flowcharts. Swim Lanes Diagrams miss defining customer-suppliers in terms of process relationships. The diagrams are also useful for communicating a process in chart-form to other people who may. Then click insert “swim lane” shape on the arrow that appears. 2 libraries from the Business Process Diagram solution, the Swim Lanes library from the Business Process Mapping solution as the perfect basis for your Swim Lane Flowcharts. The template opens with swimlanes already on the page. Swim lane diagrams (also called ‘Rummler-Brache Diagrams’ and ‘Cross-Functional Flowcharts’) are a great way to break-down a process and visualise its steps. Most process mapping tools allow you to customise swim lanes, making it easy to represent your organisation’s unique structure. Use the set of special professionally developed swim lane flowchart symbols - single, multiple, vertical and horizontal lanes from the Swimlanes and Swimlanes BPMN 1. Identify the inputs of the process. The name of the diagram comes from the similarity between the horizontal lines of the diagram and swim lanes in a swimming pool. Process Mapping. You can use this method to explore inefficiencies in a process and make improvements. 6. Once the process map is finalized, the draft should be con-verted into an electronic document. d. ⭐️⭐️⭐️ GET THIS TEMPLATE PLUS 52 MORE here: Ready made and ready. Understanding Swim Lanes to me is a fundamental component of understanding Process Management, so let's dig in on that term today. Outputs: The results of the process. Group 1 Group 2. Use the set of special professionally developed swim lane flowchart symbols - single, multiple, vertical and horizontal lanes from the Swimlanes and Swimlanes BPMN 1. They are great for mapping the flow of steps, decisions that need to be made etc in a process. A swimlane diagram is a type of flowchart or process flow diagram that outlines a process from start to finish. The mapping process is the most valuable part - the map itself is a by-product. You can quickly add vertical or horizontal swimlanes with a click of a button. Recommended Resource: LucidChart Alternative process mapping App (with a free version). A process map is a tool that graphically shows a process’s inputs, actions, and outputs in a clear, step-by-step map of the process. Review the process map with the process mapping team and other relevant stakeholders. We may need to make a details process map for that process. 1. Include all process stakeholders in. Step 4: Play with aesthetic elements. Optimize processes and scale your business. Using swim lane process maps for managing a project helps to provide a greater understanding of all the moving pieces on a project. 2 libraries from the Business Process Diagram solution, the Swim Lanes library from the Business Process Mapping solution as the perfect basis for your Swim Lane Flowcharts. Use the set of special professionally developed swim lane flowchart symbols - single, multiple, vertical and horizontal lanes from the Swimlanes and Swimlanes BPMN 1. Value stream map. Common swim lanes might include departments, teams, individuals, or even external parties. Maps based on research that. Each new inbound call from a customer is unique. Select and delete the default text boxes on the slide that opens. edu by guest KENNEDI JOHNS Mapping Work Processes Business Expert Press This reference manual is designed to help those interested in passing the ASQ's certification exam for Six Sigma Green Belts and others who want a handy reference to. Example 6: Swimlane Process Mapping Diagram. 4. Identify the customers. It may also show how tasks relate to each other. ‘As Is’ Process. Most swimlane diagrams look similar to a flowchart (representing. –8:00 p. They all move forward across the pool. This, each swimlane will link one sure speed landlord (or team or department) equipped the process stepping they need to perform. With a swimlane PowerPoint framework built out, now it’s time to add process details. BPMN is the standard process modeling system designed to streamline process documentation and. H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre. Creating process maps for systems analysis and software engineering typically uses the IPO technique, which essentially divides processes into three steps: Inputs — information or data from the environment. Cross-functional process map. Swim lane diagrams are part of Business Process Mapping (BPM). up a blank map with swim lanes for each functional group involved in the process to be mapped. The process map is called a “swimlane” because the map resembles a pool with lanes identifying the different process groups. It can be arranged horizontally or vertically. A Q&A process flow starts from a user entering a request and ends with the user receiving e-mail notification about a response. Ken Laloge. Another one of the types of process maps is a Cross Functional or “Swim Lanes” Map. Search. Process mapping, also called brown paper process mapping and analysis, refers to creating detailed visual displays of all the steps from beginning to end. Documenting the process map is about putting the steps and information gathered previously into a cohesive, easy-to-understand diagram. Step 3: Start Showing the Process using PowerPoint Shapes. These templates contain a swimlane visual element or flowchart. Flowcharts are widely popular and one of the most frequently diagram types. Open this template to view a detailed example of a flowchart with swimlanes that you can customize to your use case. Alternatively, you can start the. On you next project, try using swim lanes to communicate who has to do what by when. 4075 Gordon Drive Kelowna, BC V1W 5J2 Directions. You use Pool Lanes to group a set of BPMN Swimlanes, just like in real life, this is the metaphor behind those names. From the Shapes window on the right, add as many bands as you need. It is one of the most powerful ways for multi-disciplinary teams to understand the real problems from the patient’s perspective, and to identify opportunities for improvement. 4. Unlike swimlane activity diagrams, a swimlane process map illustrates potential scenarios in a process that can result in more than. Process mapping is an important tool in any Operational Excellence initiative ( Lean , Six Sigma , Lean Six Sigma , Design for Six Sigma DFSS , Kaizen , Continuous Improvement ). Updated onAugust 4, 2023. Review Loan Application” where elaborated details. Representing each lane as. MindManager, an industry-leading swim lane diagram software, allows you to create complex, detailed swim lane diagrams with ease. Process mapping is a technique used to visually represent a step-by-step internal business process. Go beyond simple text and arrows—use our. An example is ‘Customer support inquiry closed’. Question: Using appropriate mapping symbols develop a swim lane process map for purchasing a present for a family friend. Common BPMN symbols. It’s one of the bases of BPM, as it. Identify the different stakeholders or departments involved in the process and create a. 2. Knowledge work covers a wide range of processes. Hence if a task falls in Person A’s swim lane, he is responsible to get it done. Select and delete the default text boxes on the slide that opens. FREE for non commercial use!value stream mapping and metrics based process mapping - Download as a PDF or view online for free Submit Search. 1. To align swimlanes with pools and lanes, you need to follow some basic rules and best practices. ClickUp Kanban for Software Development Template 9. Learn about a proven way to help cross-functional teams clearly “see” their work and achieve their full potential. Step #3: Add individual steps along each lane through to the end of your process, and explain what each represents in. Swim lane Map:- Swim lanes is a technique used in process mapping to simplify the work procedure. Source: Bizmanualz. Apr 4, 2020 - Cross-Functional Flowcharts solution extends ConceptDraw PRO software with templates, samples and vector This example shows a workflow for replacing engine oil. How to draw: Draw a table of 5 columns for Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, and Customers. ANSWER. These diagrams also show who is responsible for each step in the process. 1. Drag any process shapes into the correct swimlanes. What is a swimlane diagram, anyway? We’ll walk you through examples of swimlane diagrams and explain the differences between a swimlane diagram and a flowcha. It helps in identifying bottlenecks, improving communication, and ultimately enhancing the efficiency of a process. Add Process Details. It is recommended to first map out the most important processes. First, the process of creating a map forces conversation and an aligned mental model. - Use swimlanes to understand which department is responsible for performing each task. The first step is to make the actu­al con­di­tion vis­i­ble and under­stood by every­one. ”. st Map the process from beginning to end. Flowcharts are widely popular and one of the most frequently diagram types. Only now, four cross functional swim lanes have been used to identify who is responsible for each element, decision or data. A swim-lane flowchart is often like the documentation of a. What Is Swim Lane Mapping? Mak­ing improve­ments in com­plex, cross-func­tion­al busi­ness process­es can be chal­leng­ing. Process mapping is a technique used to visually map out workflows and processes. 2 libraries from the Business Process Diagram solution, the Swim Lanes library from the Business Process Mapping solution as the perfect basis for your Swim Lane Flowcharts of processes, algorithms and. How to draw: Draw a table of 5 columns for Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, and Customers. Drag more swimlane shapes from the Shapes window. Click on " Add new " to add a new swimlane. With Truvle, organizations can harness the power of swim lanes to optimize their processes and drive success in today's competitive business landscape. These lanes on a process map represent a person or department. Keep in mind that your lanes can run. Also support Flowchart, BPMN, UML, ArchiMate, Mind Map and a large collection of diagrams. map and metrics-based process map. Map the process steps at the bottom of your map, from left to right. Most process managers use the Business Process Model and Notation (also known as BPMN) to diagram their current state processes. Use the set of special professionally developed swim lane flowchart symbols - single, multiple, vertical and horizontal lanes from the Swimlanes and Swimlanes BPMN 1. Define Activities and Steps: Break down the process into individual activities or steps. Create swimlanes. Cross-functional process map. Made popular in the 90s as the Rummler-Brache Method for performance improvement and also known as the Cross-functional Process Map, swim lanes have become a mainstay in the Business Process Reengineering (BPR) effort. There are myriad benefits to using these mapping techniques and incorporating swimlanes. The purpose of process mapping is to communicate how a process works in a concise and straightforward way. Value stream map. Key Elements. We recommend changing the page orientation to Landscape mode so you have more room to work with. Process mapping provides a visual representation of all the steps necessary to complete a process. Process maps can be particularly helpful in making otherwise invisible processes visible, and in fostering. They all have the same goal. It’ll help you visualize the division of responsibilities and interactions within the process. It typically flows from the top down, and it shows the steps of a process in a clustered flow. Create a swimlane diagram in Lucidchart and help your organization get stuff done. A swimlane diagram starts with a handful of columns or rows (your “swimlanes”) labeled with the involved departments, skill sets, or individuals. Continue reading "Swim Lane Flowcharts" What Is Swim Lane Mapping? Mak­ing improve­ments in com­plex, cross-func­tion­al busi­ness process­es can be chal­leng­ing. This template’s simple process document tab allows you to enter project-specific details, while the process flowchart tab lets you arrange flowchart symbols to define your process — add arrow connectors, steps, decisions, input/output, and decision details into a basic but comprehensive process map. It can help you to identify and track the different tasks that need to be completed, and it can also help you to visualize the dependencies between tasks. 1. The diagram includes different sections (similar to swim lanes in a pool), with each section representing a department, role, or stakeholder. Process modelling is also used to illustrate potential “could-be” and “to-be” scenarios in. Miro for mapping & diagramming. Each process should have a clearly defined start and endpoint. Swim lane diagrams are part of Business Process Mapping (BPM). A swim lane process map can assist you in tracking work that is conveyed between teams or departments. However flowcharts have just more than the process names, their flow and type of action embedded. Explain what ‘draw. A Business Planning Swimlane diagram template is a great way to visualize the different steps in your business planning process. Check Details. Swimlanes as an element of BPMN 2. Use the set of special professionally developed swim lane flowchart symbols - single, multiple, vertical and horizontal lanes from the Swimlanes and Swimlanes BPMN 1. . Various software products are available in the market. 2. Your swim lane process map should have a minimum of four swim lanes and a minimum of twenty-five operations and decision points. Therefore, you may want to highlight specific swim lanes and specific process steps in order to get the message across. Swim lanes are visual elements used in Business Process Maps, Process Flow Diagrams and Flowcharts. Doesn't define customers/suppliers. For example, consider the design-thinking process. 1. - Quickly determine if a process is inefficient. ConceptDraw DIAGRAM diagramming and vector drawing software extended with Business Process Mapping Solution from the Business Processes Area of ConceptDraw Solution Park is ideal for drawing Business Process Maps and Swim. Click on any of these swimlane diagrams included in SmartDraw and edit them:. Step7 Share and Use a diagram. In the swim lane pattern along with sequence, accountability is also formally recorded. This article will examine process mapping, its purpose, how to create a. A smaller segment is a “process map” not a VSM. The process of drawing the swim lane process map may take a lot of time and attention. It's the path to smoother technology implementation! 🚀 #SAAS #ProcessMapping #. Things like owners, stages,. A swim lane or flow represents the activities that have to be carried out by a specific department or entity. MS Visio (Microsoft Corporation,Redmond,Washington) isone ofthemost pop-ular programs for professional process mapping, and it is highly recommended for those complex maps with swim lanes. Before you create the diagram, it is important to first identify and understand some specific considerations for the process you want to improve. These can be found in the AutoShapes tab at the drawing tool bar at the bottom of the PowerPoint application. Process mapping is an important tool in any Operational Excellence initiative ( Lean , Six Sigma , Lean Six Sigma , Design for Six Sigma DFSS , Kaizen , Continuous Improvement ). ProcessMaker is an easy to use Business Process Automation (BPA) and workflow software solution.