Every process can be improved and everything we do in our work environment is a process.
- Process mapping is used for identification of improvement opportunities.
- It results in an Action Plan for how to maximise the benefits of identified improvement opportunities, including person(s) responsible, timeframes and governance arrangements.
- It helps you see and understand things that don’t add value which releases time to do value adding activity.
- It improves staff morale and engagement by empowering staff to make changes to the things that cause them frustration in the work environment.
Processes are made up of tasks that are carried out in a set sequence to deliver a specified outcome.
Your process map can be long and complex or short and simple for example referral to first appointment (short) or referral to discharge (long).
It can be used to map any process, particularly useful when different individuals or teams are involved in delivering a process where they don’t see the impact of their actions on other parts of the system.
It can be used to map the process as it is now (current state) and help you to map the process as it should be or you want it to be (future state).
It is a method for identifying value activities, waste and where improvements can be made.
You may use your process map as a basis for developing a value stream map.
