Business Process Mapping

Many maps are drawn to show a conceptual flow of data through a few locations. Box and arrow diagrams and swimlane diagrams are examples of high-level conceptual maps. However, if you want to understand THE WORK -- not just who does the work and where it is done, but WHAT is done to WHAT documents, WHAT systems, how documents (electronic and paper) work together, where information is introduced, where it comes from and how it is used, then you need the details. Graham Process Maps document the details...real tangible things -- the 'Items' that drive the process. What is an Item? An item is something physical. It is something you can see. An item is a form, an electronic file, an email, a document, a spreadsheet, a CD, a database, an application, a log sheet, a reference book, etc. We record, transmit and store information on items. Items convey the information that drives our processes. Items give substance to a process map. They enable us to assemble an otherwise nebulous collection of activities into an organized, reality-based system. Each Item is charted as a separate horizontal flow line that is identified at its beginning with a label.

Read more about Graham Process Maps here... http://www.processchart.com

A process is a series of steps completed to achieve a result. In business, processes are the work we do. Business processes involve the flow of data, and that data is found on the documents that support and drive the process. Documents include forms, email, spreadsheets, reports, databases, systems, applications, web sites... Anything that you use to capture, store and/or transmit data... even a sticky note!