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Business process mapping or process modeling is the practice of describing the processes present in an organization or enterprise. A process can be viewed as the practice of repeatedly transforming an input, through a set of defined value-adding activities, to achieve a refined output. There are multiple ways of mapping processes.
One of the most effective ways is, however, to visualize the flow from input to output. Outlining germane activities and resources, as well as necessary requirements and demands, illustrates the connection and interaction between objects affecting the flow. Other common terms for processes mapping and process modeling include flowcharts, process flowcharts, workflow chart, process flow diagram or business mapping.
The purpose and benefits of process mapping or modeling rest on six main pillars. Mapping and modeling are ways of communicating and encouraging increased collaboration by individuals with diverse insights into the activities of a process. Thus, process mapping or modeling stimulates the surfacing of different perspectives from separate parts of an organization. Mapping processes also exposes innovation and development opportunities to optimize business flows. Finally, process mapping facilitates ownership by creating an overview and sharing it across the organization, communizing knowledge, and insights.
With 2c8 Apps, you can visualize your business’ processes – from the overview down to the details. Visualize relations and correlations between different departments, processes and activities in an interactive interface. Together with co-workers, you can map during workshops which contributes to participation at the same time as you bring more perspectives to the table.
Mapping processes is an iterative practice which can be more complicated than expected. We have therefore created a simple guide for anyone who would like to get started with process mapping.
Mapping the processes will give you a better view of operations and procedures within the organization. However, to get a more dynamic and three dimensional picture of a process it is helpful to connect your process maps to additional maps or models on Interested Parties (stakeholders) and Relationships. In 2c8 Apps there is a bunch of different types of models available to represent different areas of your business.
Interested Parties include individuals, groups and entities who have an interest or connection to the organization, such as customers, partners, authorities, investors, suppliers, unions, staff etc. These actors place demands on the organization, how it operates and functions. Procedures and processes must be adapted to meet internal and external demands made by interested parties. Connecting maps of Interested Parties with your process maps will add a significant understanding of why some processes may have to designed or re-structured in a certain way.
While the Interested Parties map will describe who the organization has to relate to, the Relationship map or model will describe how each of these relationships are structured. A Relationship map or model will describe what activities and communication take place between the them and what it looks like. Furthermore, a Relationship map will connect specific demands to a certain actors, revealing more about why certain processes and procedures are structured in a given way. A map of Relationships again furthers the understanding of the processes within your organization.