Process mapping - what’s the point?
Are your business processes mapped, measured, documented and super efficient?
If it’s a YES, then there is no need to keep reading.
If it’s a NO, then here is why it is vitally important to your business to map your processes.
Ask yourself a question and be honest - how many times have you started a new job, or been given responsibility of a new task and a clear, easy to follow process map was placed in front of you to support your training and development in completing the new task? I am going to guess that it is closer to zero than it should be.
So the likely result was, you started a new job by either listening to, or watching, someone else in the team do the job you are about to do. Guess what, they probably did the same thing when they started, and the person who “trained” them probably did the same when they started and so on.
Also, your “trainer” may be wary of a new member joining the team, so are they likely to give you all the knowledge, skills and tips that you need to be an effective team member straight away? It is very unlikely!
So what can help with this issue? Simply, a Process Map. It is exactly what it says it is, it provides you with a starting point to a process, what steps need to be taken, how long each step should take, who is responsible for each step, any handoffs, where the decision points are and where the process ends.
But what other benefits are there to mapping a process?
Supports the identification of problems
When used during Process Confirmation, it can be quick and easy to identify problems such as bottlenecks, completion times or staff training requirements. This provides the business with an opportunity to identify trends, provide training and boost employee engagement.
Helps to visualise the process
Rather than being stuck in someone’s head, process mapping allows for all employees to see the process and the steps needed to complete it. It can generate meaningful discussion and generate new ideas to improve the process.
It promotes consistency
It becomes easier to identify variation across the team and how the process is completed when you have a standardised approach mapped out. This can help reduce waste and unnecessary costs, but it can also help identify new and better ways to do the process that can be shared across the whole team.
Helps to identify opportunities for improvement
When you map a process then you can begin to challenge how each step is completed, whether the right person/team is completing the task, have we measured the time needed to complete it correctly and is there opportunity to improve.
Supports business continuity
What if there is only one person in your business who knows how to complete a key process, and the process is in their head. Now think about what would happen if they won the lottery tonight, and didn’t return to work. Now think about the impact that would have to your business and yourself for the next week, month or longer as you scramble to keep the business functioning. Now you might be more appreciative of the importance of process mapping.
Don’t waste time doing things the way they have always been done. Get your processes mapped sooner rather than later and start improving your business.
