Process mapping shows the work from beginning to end. It can reveal delays, duplicate work, and unclear handoffs. Start with what people actually do, including the workarounds that never made it into a written procedure.

Start process mapping with the current work

Document what actually happens today, including workarounds and manual steps. Starting with an ideal future process can hide the problems that need to be fixed.

Include roles and systems in process mapping

Show who performs each step and which system, form, spreadsheet, or communication channel is used. This reveals handoff risk and duplicate data entry.

Mark wait time and rework

A process can contain only a few minutes of work but take days to complete because it sits between steps. Record delays, queues, and common reasons work is returned.

Challenge unnecessary approvals

Approvals often accumulate over time. Determine which ones control real risk and which simply add delay because that is how the process has always worked.

Plan and test the improved process

After identifying waste, create a simpler process with fewer handoffs, clearer approval responsibilities, and defined measures. Test the changes before making them standard practice.

Start here

Map one process with the people who perform it. Record the delays and repeated work, agree on one improvement, and test it before changing the whole process.

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