Process Mapping
By David Potty
Worcester SectionVice Chair
Value Added Quality Services
How do you improve process flow? The first step is to map the process. There
are a number of methods that can be used. One that is learned in Six Sigma is
called SIPOC. What that stands for is Supplier Inputs Process Outputs and
Customer. Another is a basic flowchart that has been used for many years. An
additional method is to modify the flow chart method by adding inputs to the
left and outputs to the right. Each process step has inputs and outputs.
Writing a procedure or Work Instruction is a form of process mapping.
Procedures/Work Instructions are word descriptions of the process flow.
Unfortunately these can get too wordy and become very confusing.
How do you use Process Maps? Process mapping is a very useful tool to start to
evaluate any process. Most people use process maps during their work, in one
form or another. There are areas that they can be used that are a little
different such as time management. The first step in time management is to
write down in half hour increments what you actually do. This is process
mapping. It is a map of your time. The evaluation of how you spend your time is
now easier. Another different way to use process mapping is in set up
reduction. The first step in set up reduction is to videotape a set up that you
want to improve. Once again this is process mapping. It is a video map of the
set up. As you can see Process Mapping is a very useful tool that can be used
in many areas.
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