Process Mapping Shapes And How They Help In Explanation Of A Process
Every operation is composed of one or more processes that convert an input in to some useful, desired output. Such processes can be better defined by diagrammatic representations called process maps made up o f different process mapping shapes. These shapes symbolize an input, output, a decision making condition, a calculation or task in a process. These shapes are a means to understand a process in a better way.
An input in a process can be an information related to a person, material, capital investment, energy or can be anything. The outputs can be physical products or in terms of some services. Different shapes are hence used to determine their presence in the process maps.
A process has a great impact over a business. An improvement in the process can lead to a significant improvement in the business. Thus they are required to be understood in a better way so that we can design effective solutions to achieve desired outputs.
Analysis is the first step to understand and improve a process. Analysis of a process helps us to understand the activities involved in a process, their relationship and the metrics value. In general, the analysis stage involves the following tasksĀ- to define the process boundaries, construct the process flow diagram, identify any bottlenecks in the process, evaluate the limitations and use the analysis made to improve the process. In this article we will learn few of the process mapping shapes and symbols that describe different stages of the process through these symbols. The various shapes or symbols used in a process mapping diagram are: Rectangle: A rectangular-shaped symbol represents some calculation or task in a process. Suppose there are two inputs and their sum is to be calculated. Then this type of calculation is represented by rectangular symbol. Arrows: Arrows represent the flow of the process. The flow can be the flow of information or flow of material. Flow of information may be related to instructions or production orders etc. Flow of material is represented by solid lines while flow of information is represented by dashed lines. Oval Shape: An oval shape is used to represent the input or start of the process. The same symbol is also used for the output or end of the process. Diamond Shape: A diamond shape is used to describe a decision making condition. For example suppose a condition whether A>B is to be tested. Then the Diamond shape will represent the condition and based on whether this condition is true or false there will be two directions of information flow. One set of operation will be performed if A>B while the other set of operations will be performed if B>A. Similarly there are some other process mapping shapes that describe a particular task or activity that takes place in a process. Use of different shapes enables us to judge what is going on in that particular stage of the process by just looking at the shape.
Process Mapping >> Privacy Policy >> Contact >> Terms Of Use
| 
