A process map is a diagram that makes it possible to obtain, quickly and easily, an overall view of the company and its activities it carries out. Its function lies mainly in its ability to evoke a unified picture of the company, which helps a complete understanding despite the simplicity of such diagrams.
A process map is a diagram that represents the processes, and their phases, within a company in an interrelated way. A process is the result of both the sum of the activities as well as the resources used in this process. All these elements are reflected in the company's process map, which makes it possible to obtain an overview of the company's processes. overview of all the elements associated with each process, and the interrelationship that each of these elements has with each other and with the rest of the elements present on the map.
The importance of process maps is related to the importance of defining the processes themselves. Any company should have processes in place, as it is the way in which it adds value to the product or service it offers, and that it will be the channel through which it will obtain its benefits. However, for these processes to be carried out as efficiently and successfully as possible, they need to be properly defined. This is a more complex task than it may seem at first, as it implies a concrete and, above all, specific knowledge of each part of the processes. Therefore, it is necessary to divide and define each of the parts implicit in the processes, which will be the elements that will be represented in the process map.
The usefulness of a process map lies in the fact that it allows the process in question to be correctly defined and described. This means that the people working on the process have the ability to a document providing them with concrete and tangible information, This avoids failures in the development of the process, since all the workers involved in the project start from the same point of departure, which defines the how to carry out the process in question.
There are several ways to carry out a process map. One of the fundamental aspects in doing so is that all the processes of the organisation are mapped. the same company use the same procedure in all their process maps, This will be the most efficient way for employees to interpret the process map in question at a first glance.
Another fundamental aspect of process mapping is that all available elements are used. These elements refer to the different forms possible ways in which a process element can be represented on the map in question. For example, different shapes can be used, reserving ovals for the beginning and end phases of the process, as well as using rectangles for operations and circles for decision-making. Another option would be the use of different colours to indicate different categories of the elements of the process map, all interlinked with arrows, showing the process flows from the beginning to the end of the process.
Finally, another of the fundamental aspects when drawing up a process map is that it should include a legend to which recourse can be had if necessary to qualify some information of the diagram. This is usually included at the bottom of the diagram and consists of a set of annotations that complement the diagram or some of its parts, which are indicated by small numbers or asterisks that refer to the legend annotation if necessary.
