1. Flow Diagrams, Swim Lanes, Value Stream Maps, Oh My!
Bonnie Stone, MBB, PMP

2. Agenda Toto, we’re not in Kansas anymore! What are Process Maps?
Benefits
Types
Which Map to Use?
Reading a Process Map
Future State
Toto, we’re not in Kansas anymore!

3. Process Maps
Graphically illustrates the sequential flow and relationship
Aids in identifying redundant tasks and poor handoffs
Uncovers hidden interactions between people and processes
Easy-to-visualize method that allows people to see a process

4. Benefits of Process Maps
Define process boundaries
Reveal problems or miscommunications
See the relationship between inputs/outputs
Identify key decision points, bottlenecks, redundant tasks, uncover rework loops and sources of defects
Develop shared knowledge about a process
Identify ways to streamline or improve
Lay out ideal or redesigned processes

5. Types of Process Maps Value Stream Map Flow Diagram
Cross Functional or Swim Lane
Flow Diagram: shows the relationship of steps in a process or procedure
Cross-Functional Process Map or Swim Lane: shows the sequential steps as they cross departments and phases.
Value Stream Map: shows the flow of materials and information as a product or service moves through the value stream.

6. Flow Diagram
Graphical representation of movements or actions of people or things involved in an activity
Visualizes the physical movement of objects from one location to another
Distinguish between value-add and nonvalue-add activities
Makes waste visible (bottlenecks, delays, storage, rework, etc.)
Can be high level or can drill down to great detail

7. Flow Diagram: now you try it!
Yes
Start
Step 1
Decision
Step 2
End
Dorothy arrives in Munchkin Land No
Rework

8. Flow Diagram

9. Top-Down Flow Diagram: FOCUS to the detail level

10. Swim Lane or Cross Functional Process Map
Simultaneously shows
the flow of the steps
where in the organization the steps take place
Illustrates handoffs (internal and external)
Identifies patterns in the flow
Serial flow
Parallel flow
Handoffs
Rework
Delays

11. Swim Lane: now you try it!
Start:
Toto bites Miss Almira Gulch
Phase 1:
Kansas
Phase 2:
Land of Oz
Phase 3:

12. Swim Lane: Relationship between the departments and phases
In the Land of Oz

13. Value Stream Map (VSM)
Shows how materials and information flow through the value stream
See at a glance delays, wastes, excessive inventory
Envision an improved future state

14. VSM: We’ll do this together

15. VSM Steps Draw backbone of VSM (major steps in the process)
Supplier + arrow + icon (tornado)
Customer + arrow + icon (hot air balloon/ruby red slippers)
Show movement of material from one step to the next
Use push arrows or pull depending how it moves
Add Inventory
Add Control System and indicate the information flow
Add Data boxes with pertinent info
Cycle Time, VA Time, Defects, Scrap Rate, etc.
Add time line at bottom (Step time vs. Wait time) and Customer Demand

16. Value Steam Map: Built-in features makes it easy

17. Which Process Map to Select?
It depends!
Flow Diagram – shows process steps, rework, decision points and can vary in level of detail
Swim Lane – shows the process steps within the departments that are performing the activities; excellent for multiple handoffs
Value Stream Map - extends the usefulness of process maps by adding more data (beyond y’s and x’s), material and information flow; operating parameters; process and lead times

18. Reading a Process Map
Read from the “left to right” and “top to bottom”

19. Reading a Process Map Learn the symbology
Rectangle = process step
Diamond = decision
Arrows indicate flow direction
Color, special fonts, and pictures can be used for emphasis

20. Reading a Process Map
Serial activities: different activities at different times
Parallel activities: different activities at same time

21. Questions to ask
Who?
What?
When?
Where?
Why?

22. Future State Process Map
After improvements and changes are identified
bottlenecks, rework, poor handoffs
scrap and other wastes
Graphically demonstrate the new process

23. Questions?

24. References
Baum, L. Frank, and W. W. Denslow. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. George M. Hill Company, 1900.
The Wizard of Oz. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, 1939.
“Support.” Companion Support - Companion, support.minitab.com/en-us/companion/.
Damelio, Robert. The Basics of Process Mapping. 2nd ed., CRC Press, 2011.
Savory, Paul, and John Olson. “Guidelines for Using Process Mapping to Aid Improvement Efforts.” Hospital Materiel Management Quarterly, Feb
Images courtesy of Wikipedia, GetColoringPages.com, eBay, Clipartpanda.com, PublicDomainPictures.net