Managing Operations: Week 5

Definition of Process Mapping

• Process mapping = method graphically describe steps make up process.
• Consists set tools enables us systematically document, analyse, improve + redesign process.

Why we map processes

• Starting point optimisation processes
• Process improvement
• Aid communication
• Creation business awareness
• Process standardisation

Process Improvement

Task improving processes should undertaken structured manner + steps involved described as:

1. Identification best practice

2. Mapping current process AS-IS

3. Analysis + evaluation

4. Mapping improved process TO-BE

Process map levels (From top-bottom)

• Business processes
• High level process map
• Detailed process map 
• Detailed sub-process map
• Procedures, tasks, checklists

Identification major processes - Examples (Business/high level process)

• Generation work order
• Purchasing materials from suppliers
• Customer order processing (+)

Identification of sub-processes-Customer order processing

1. Customer request info

2. Customer places order

3. Review + enter order

4. Finalise order

Business process model + notation

• BPMN aka Business Process Model + Notation.
• Emerged in 2004.

Process map elements/symbols

• Process map shows how process works, flow work, actions taken + decisions made.
• Each step recorded as symbol linked arrows showing flow.
• Circle = Events
• Rectangle = Activities
• Diamond = Gateways/Decisions
• Arrow = Flow

Process map-pools + swim lanes

• Can insert swim lanes (vertical /horizontal) onto process map mark out zones authority.

BPMN elements - Events

• Something happens during course process.
• Processes always begin start event + finish end event.

BPMN elements - Flow

• Flow 
• Connections between various parts map.
• Normal arrow = sequence flow.
• Arrow with dot at start + instead full line dotted line = message flow
• Line = association.
• Arrow made up tiny dots = data association.

BPMN elements - Gateways

• Gateways
• Exclusive = either/e.g. 'in stock'/'not in stock'.