A process is a series of related activities that provides a visual aid to learn how various inputs are transformed into specific outputs. Process Mapping (PMAP) is one of the most important tools used in a continuing improvement program. Processes may be simple or complex, but all can be drawn using the process mapping tools we will cover in our workshop.
Through decomposing all of the detailed steps in any process, measuring their substance (time and/or distance), and capturing these steps using videotaping or digital images enables us to know where to focus efforts to rapidly improve.
Inputs: ---> Process: ---> Outputs: People Products Equipment Services Materials Consequences Documents Information Supplies Information Measurements
Value Stream Mapping (VSM) is a good tool to help identify what products and processes make up our materials and information flows. VSM, however, gives us an overview of waste, not the details of where the waste may be coming from such as variation in our inputs. Process Mapping bridges the gap between capturing both the overview of the process of materials and information flows, but also forces us to understand what variables we need to look at and measure.
Contact us today to learn more about our detailed Process Mapping training.
