The most-used technique for process improvement is Six Sigma process mapping. It can be used in almost any industry to explain the process involved in any project. In addition, you can use it to direct your project to unique target areas.
Various types of process mapping can assist you in laying out your process in sequential order, making it easier to understand. In addition, you can use specialized diagramming tools that will help you create process maps for more complicated mapping experiments.
We have a lot to explore about Lean Six Sigma Process Mapping, so let’s get started!
What Is Six Sigma Process Mapping?
A project leader usually creates Six Sigma process maps. This project leader uses process mapping to convey the process steps in a more intelligible manner. These process maps can also come in handy for training activities for team members.
Six Sigma Process Mapping is a formalized quality management scheme that enables continuous improvement. It reduces or, in some cases, even eliminates waste produced in a process that lowers the cost and boosts the efficiency of a project. As a result, you can streamline your business processes using Six Sigma Process Mapping and achieve optimal return on investment (ROI).
There are several different types of process maps used in Six Sigma projects. Here are the ones that are most widely used.
- Process Flow Chart
- SIPOC Map
- Swim Lane Map
What Are The Benefits Of Six Sigma Process Mapping?
Being a project manager, you already have a lot of work to cut waste from your company’s operations. So why would you spend time and resources drawing a process map? The reason is the time you will spend on Six Sigma Process Mapping will actually help you save more time through these benefits:
- One glance is enough. With the help of visualizations, abstract concepts, like business processes, become easier to understand for people. As a result, they can get a hold of the ideas faster. This means you can save a lot of time since they won’t have to walk through the process or do extensive reading of individual steps whenever they need to refer to the process. Instead, they can conveniently see and understand the whole process in one glance.
- Faster detection. The visualization of the process makes it easier to pinpoint waste areas. You can quickly detect the area that is lowering the efficiency of the project and isn’t adding value.
- Deliver quality. Visualizing processes ensures the delivery of desirable results. You can provide the expected quality by eliminating defects through process mapping. This will allow your customers to receive the promised standard of services and products, making them feel more fulfilled. Six Sigma process mapping helps you see every aspect of your process as it happens, so you are able to make continuous improvements and deliver the results your customers expect.
- Use it for future reference. As you go through the process and eliminate the faults using process mapping, you finally get a flawless model. This improved process model can be used for future referencing so everyone can remember and follow the correct protocol.
How to Build a Six Sigma Process Flow Diagram
In the modern world, you can use diagramming tools and software to draft your Six Sigma Process Mapping. Most Six Sigma training programs guide the trainees on building process flow diagrams like this. Here is the basic procedure that you can follow to build your Six Sigma Process Flow Diagram.
- Define the process. Start with writing the title of the process on top of the process map. Whether you’re working alone or with a team, you can either do this on a whiteboard, paper, or a computer.
- Discuss the limits. In order to know to draft everything in between, you first need to see the start and end of the process. You must also identify the goal of your operation – whether you are drawing an outline of the procedure or doing an in-depth analysis of it?
- Note down the process stages. You can do this on cards, sticky notes, or text boxes on your computer.
- Arrange the process stages. Now you can take the assistance of one another if working in a team and place the process stages in sequence. But, first, analyze which stages go after the other and what is the connection between them. Then you can arrange them accordingly.
- Use arrows to depict the flow. Once you have arranged the stages, you need to show the connection and direction of flow between each stage. Again, you can use arrows to do that.
- Verify your diagram. Now that you have drafted the process map, you need to sit with your team members and individuals relevant to the process and assess the diagram. If you are working solo, share your work with someone with relevant knowledge and take their feedback to eliminate errors.
Wrapping Up
Every business wants to deliver ideal results in its business processes. No matter how complicated your processes are, Six Sigma Process Mapping can help enable efficiency in your work. In addition, it gives your team members have a better understanding of the process and help you remove defects.