Process Flowcharting:

• Process flowcharting: Creating a visual diagram to describe (represent) a transformation process
• Also called (or similar to):
  • Process mapping
  • Flow-process charting
  • Service blueprinting
  • Systems flowchart
• Purpose: To visually describe and then find ways of improving the current process.
  • Find repetitive operations
  • Identify bottlenecks
  • Describe directions and distances of flows (people, material and information)
  • Reduce waste
  • Required for certifications such as ISO9000. Process flow analysis is at the core of organizational processes in all functional areas. Process flow analysis is one of the most fundamental ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of most operations and, more generally, most processes.

Discussion Question: Why is it difficult to change or create a new process flow in an organization? What problems would you encounter (discuss at least 2 problems)?