Process mapping

Process mapping is the activity of visually documenting how a process works by laying out each step, decision, input, output, and interaction in sequence. In manufacturing and root cause analysis, it is used to represent the actual flow of work, materials, information, and responsibilities from start to finish so the current process can be examined in detail.

Typical process maps identify:

• The start and end points of the process
• Each process step in order, including manual and automated tasks
• Decision points and alternate paths
• Inputs, outputs, and handoffs between people, machines, or departments
• Relevant data such as cycle times, queues, or inventory locations (when needed)

Process mapping is usually done with standard symbols (such as flowchart shapes or swimlanes) and is built with direct input from people who perform or manage the work being mapped. The map serves as a shared, documented reference of how the process currently operates and provides a basis for subsequent analysis, such as identifying where defects, breakdowns, or incidents arise.