Leveraging the 012_Introduction to Mapping, this module takes a detailed look at process maps, swim lane diagrams and brown paper maps. Process maps are easy to construct and extremely versatile. Not only do they serve as a visual representation of a process, but they are also used as a basis for the Cause and Effect Diagram, Cause and Effect Matrix, SIPOC, Failure Modes and Effects Analysis, Values Stream Map and more. But there is a catch . . . improvement teams have a tendency to construct detailed process maps first. While there are four different levels of process maps, the detailed map serves the team well when a deep dive is appropriate.

This module looks at high level maps, detailed maps and the three versions of these. Standard mapping symbols are covered, before the importance of documenting process inputs and outputs of each step is demonstrated.

Next, Swim Lane Diagrams are introduced. Process handoffs across functional boundaries are extremely important to understand, so that process improvement teams can see the result of delays, miscommunication, conflicting schedules, etc.

This module covers these concepts and is suitable for independent study or formal classroom training and includes an exercise, list of tools and quiz questions.