Process Mapping
If you’re an EDGE graduate, you’ve completed at least one process map (and hopefully, a few more!). And if you know people in your department who have been through EDGE, you may have seen or heard about process maps. So what makes them so helpful? Here’s a rundown of why process maps are the all-stars in the EDGE toolbox:
· Mapping a process forces you to break down the process into individual steps. Many people are surprised to find their seemingly “simple” process has many steps and decision points. Mapping can provide greater insight and understanding to your process and pinpoint areas for improvement.
· A process map can help calculate the time it takes to complete a process. You can look at each step and estimate the time needed to complete that step. Without a map, time estimates may be off because there’s a risk of not including a step (or several!) in your calculations.
· Process maps help identify waste in a process and identify what steps actually contribute value. In EDGE, we teach how to identify the eight types of waste and provide guidelines for what is considered a “value add” to the process. This helps EDGE graduates reduce (and potentially eliminate) steps that have waste and at the same time, ensure that value added activities remain.
· A process map is a visual tool that can be used to communicate not only within the team, but to internal customers. Some teams go through a process mapping exercise and discover that everyone has a different approach to the process. A map can help standardize the process for all involved. Other teams post their maps so internal customers have a transparent look at the process.
Process mapping can help you see your process in a new way and highlight areas that need attention. Interested in doing a process map for your department? Sign up for the EDGE Academy (we have a wait list for the August session, and openings in September and October). EDGE Academy is a three day training program, and more information can be found here.
And if you’re pressed for time and are interested in a process map for your department, please reach out to Nathan Williams or Nina De Castro.
