Where To Find Effective Process Mapping Techniques?Process mapping has become the catch-phrase for efficiency experts and business improvement consultants not just to flatter their egos, but because it is a highly-flexible and usable tool for improving the way a business works. Process mapping techniques that are widely used comprehensively illustrate how work is accomplished, for the benefit of managers, employees and other members of the organization. The popular approach nowadays is to make use of software. Such process mapping tools have made it easier for businesses to create intricate diagrams or charts of how their company works and how it is supposed to work. The charts are also helpful in deciding which processes should be improved and which of them should even be maintained. TaskMap is a Viso add-on touted by the Harvard Computing Group as a way to easy accomplishment of any process mapping method. An online seminar is available to instruct users on the benefits of simplified process mapping, and teach them the common mistakes people make when attempting to map their processes. After the seminar, attendees will be able to transfer knowledge about simplified process mapping using the MS Visio and Simplified Process method. They will also be taught the different techniques in the use of process maps, including knowledge discovery, operating procedures, business processes, change management and governance. After attending this session, project managers and novices alike will be able to explain the pitfalls of traditional process mapping tools and understand the value of simplified process mapping. They will be able to introduce the concept of simplified process mapping so their staff can produce their own maps. Finally, they will be in a position to decide whether to add TaskMap™ to the list of tools they use to communicate within the organization or with their clients. Some managers prefer to attend a course that will teach them process mapping techniques that they can afterwards pass on to their down-line. There are many courses available: from introductions to process mapping to hybrid process mapping techniques. SAI Global is one company that offers Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, TL 9000, Malcolm Baldridge and the ISO family. For other preferred strategies, there is sure to be a course offered for instruction online or offline. Another way to capitalize on other people’s experience is by reading books. Daniel Hunt’s book on re-engineering the business process discusses in full the Integrated Computer-Aided Manufacturing (ICAM) initiative of the USAF called IDEF which stands for ICAM DEFinition language as well as Process Mapping theory. The book provides practical guidelines on how to make use of process mapping to provide a standardized language for the organization for both internal and external use. This ensures that managers are able to explain the process to employees as well as customers - to maximize improvement. The book provides guidelines on assessing the need for process improvement, the applicability of process mapping to the organization, creation of a process mapping team and selection of the most suitable process mapping software for the work involved. It also discusses the techniques of collecting the necessary data for the organization’s key processes and how to use the information to make a process map that will significantly improve the performance of the business. Business owners and managers have all sorts of options for accomplishing a process map. The various options cater to different types of organizations and managers. There really is no reason why an effective process mapping technique cannot be implemented at some stage. |