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 and how they are interrelated. 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. a joint vision of all elements associated with each process, as well as the interrelationship that each of these elements has with each other and with the rest of those present on the map.
The importance of process maps is related to the importance of defining processes themselves. Any company must carry out processes, as it is the way in which you add value to the product or service that you offer, and which will be the channel through which it will obtain its profits. However, for these processes to be carried out as efficiently and satisfactorily as possible, it is necessary to define them correctly. This is a more complex task than it may initially seem, as it implies concrete and, above all, specific knowledge of each of the parts of the processes. Therefore, it is necessary to divide and define each of the implicit parts of the processes, which will be the elements that will appear represented in the process map.
The usefulness of a process map lies in the fact that it allows for the correct definition and description of the process in question. This means that the people who work on said process have a document that provides them with concrete and tangible information, which avoids failures in the development of the process, as all workers involved in the project start from the same point, which defines how the process in question is to be carried out.
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, as it will be the most efficient way for employees to interpret the process map in question with 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 an element of the process 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 use of different colours to indicate different categories of process map elements, all interconnected with arrows, showing the process flows from beginning to end.
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 the same. This is usually included at the bottom of it, 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 annotation in the legend if necessary.
