Process Mapping in Practice

This briefing note explains the concept of process mapping, a process that makes workflows visible.

It identifies the following steps in process mapping:

• Choose processes to be mapped;
• Select people for the process mapping exercise;
• Define process along with objectives;
• Gather data;
• Construct 'as is' map;
• Analyze 'as is' map;
• Analyze 'could be' and 'should be' maps;
• Summarize and distribute findings;
• Test the new processes.

The note then lists the benefits of process mapping in the areas of:

• Human resource management;
• Standardization of practices;
• Feedback loop;
• Customer service;
• Change management;
• Activity-based costing;
• Cost control;
• Banking and management information systems;
• Staff performance and training;
• Reduced documentation;
• New product development.

The note goes on to discuss challenges at each step of the exercise.

It concludes, 'Carefully analyzed process maps bring efficiency and risk management gains that outweigh the significant investment in time and resources required to generate the maps.'