Process Maps or FlowchartsIn lean manufacturing it is very important to identify the inefficiencies and hidden wastes in your process. Process mapping or flowcharting is very important in this. Actually process mapping is a starting point of lean manufacturing process. This can give you a clear picture about what you are doing currently. This is known as the current status map. Then you can develop a future status map which will show the process you need in the future. When you have both these maps you will be able to understand the process improvement you have to do in order to achieve your goals. One of the important advantages of having a process map is the simple graphical representation of your process. This will show you the problems in your process, which are opportunities for improvements. Most probably you will shock to see your process map and inefficiencies it reveals. When creating a process map there are conventions to be followed. These conventions make it easy to understand the process map or the flowchart and also make all the process charts standard. You can find these standard shapes on process mapping software like Microsoft Visio. Actually this program is one of the easiest programs to use for this purpose. Below is an example of a process map. Processes,
predefined processes, documents have involved in this process.
An actual process map will be very much complex than this. What you can understand with this process map. Is this process efficient? These are the questions you will ask when you create the flowchart for your organization. |
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