Process Mapping: Types and Six Sigma Guide

Process mapping visually documents the steps, decisions, and handoffs in a workflow. In Six Sigma, teams use a current-state map to agree on how work happens before measuring defects or proposing improvements. This guide compares five map types and explains how to create and review one in EdrawMax.

Part 1: Types of Process Maps

Choose the map based on the question: use SIPOC for scope, a high-level map for major stages, a swimlane map for ownership, a detailed map for decisions and exceptions, and a value stream map for material and information flow with timing data.

1. Value Stream Map

• Shows material and information flow across a value stream, with measures such as processing time, waiting time, and inventory.
• Helps distinguish value-adding work from delays and waste when supported by observed process data.

2. SIPOC:

• Defines Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, and Customers at a high level.
• Use it to agree on the process boundary and customer outputs before mapping detailed steps.

3. High-Level Process Map

• Gives a brief overview of the steps involved.
• Summarizes major stages without documenting every task or exception.

4. Deployment Flowchart (Swimlane Map)

• Groups process steps by the person, role, or department responsible for them.
• Shows handoffs and cross-functional responsibilities so teams can review delays and unclear ownership.

5. Detailed Process Map

• Gives a thorough understanding of every step involved in a process.
• This tool is great for finding obstacles, redundancies, and opportunities for improvement.

Part 2: Features of the Six Sigma Process Maps

These process maps are essential to the Six Sigma process improvement methodology to identify inefficiencies and flaws at different stages of a process. Here are a few of these maps' key features and objectives:

1. Visual Representation

All these process maps offer visual representations of complex processes, making it easier for teams to grasp and analyze them.

2. Identification of Defects

They highlight errors, bottlenecks, and areas where defects are likely to occur, enabling corrective actions.

3. Waste Reduction

By distinguishing value-added and non-value-added steps, these maps help in reducing waste and improving efficiency.

4. Standardization

They allow for standardization of processes, leading to consistent and reliable outcomes.

5. Process Optimization

By providing a clear view of a process, organizations can optimize and streamline their operations, ultimately delivering higher-quality products and services.

Part 3: Importance of Process Maps in Six Sigma

Process maps are integral to the success of Six Sigma for several reasons:

1. Enhanced Understanding

They simplify complex processes, making it easier for teams to understand and collaborate on improvements.

2. Root Cause Analysis

Process maps help locate steps where defects may arise. Combine the map with observations, measurements, and root cause analysis before deciding why a defect occurs.

3. Continuous Improvement

These maps serve as a foundation for ongoing improvement efforts, ensuring that processes evolve to meet changing needs.

4. Decision Support

They guide decision-making by providing a clear picture of the current state of processes and the desired future state.

5. Customer Satisfaction

By reducing defects and enhancing efficiency, Six Sigma-driven process maps contribute to improved customer satisfaction.

Part 4: How to Create Process Maps with EdrawMax

Before drawing, define the process purpose, start, end, and intended level of detail. Agree on the current-state steps with the people who perform them. The following nine steps explain how to build and review the map in EdrawMax. create process maps.

Step 1: Open EdrawMax and Log In

Download and install EdrawMax from its website, then log in or sign up as required for the version you use. Edrawmax.

Step 2: To begin creating your diagram

In the EdrawMax interface, click on "New" to start a new project. Then, select "Basic" from the categories on the left.

Step 3: Select a Template

• There are many different kinds of diagram templates available in EdrawMax. Select a suitable design from the list to start creating a process map. In this case, select "Flowchart."

Step 4: Add shapes

Drag the appropriate shapes onto the canvas. Use rectangles for tasks, diamonds for decisions, and start/end symbols; add lanes if responsibilities span several teams.

Step 5: Connect Shapes

Use connectors (lines or arrows) from the toolbar to connect the shapes in the sequence they appear in your process. Click and drag from one shape to another to create connections.

Double-click shapes and connectors to label them. Use action phrases for tasks and label decision branches, such as Yes and No.

Step 6: Format and Style

Customize the appearance of your process map by adjusting the colors, fonts, and shapes. EdrawMax offers a range of formatting options to make your map visually appealing and clear.

Step 7: Use Icons and Symbols

EdrawMax includes a library of icons and symbols that can enhance your process map. Add relevant icons to represent different elements or actions within your process.

Step 8: Add Text and Annotations

Add notes for exceptions or assumptions. Walk through a normal case and an exception with process participants, check decision paths and handoffs, and record corrections before finalizing the map.

Step 9: Save and Export

Save your work once you've completed your process map. You can also choose to share or print your diagram by exporting it.

Conclusion

Choose a process map that answers your team’s question, document the current state, and validate it with the people who do the work. Use measurements to prioritize improvements, then keep a separate future-state map and review the results after changes.