The 'Best of the Best' Process Map Format

Re: Process Maps - What is the 'Best of the Best' format you've seen?

noboost4you said:

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We have work instructions that cover various processes such as Calibration of Gauges, building certain products, order entry, etc. Are you implying to that it would be wise to make a process map for each? I can't imagine you are, but just want to clear that up.

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No, you don't have to make a process map for every process. You do need to define how all the processes fit together however. Most companies determine what their processes are, then make one high level flowchart showing how it all flows together.

Then, from there, develop work instructions, individual process maps, etc as need. Don't confuse the two.

Re: Process Maps - What is the 'Best of the Best' format you've seen?

Actually Hj that is not the case, the processes are vaguely addressed, and the situation is more unique as we are accredited to NADCAP ISO 17025, but looking to adopt a process approach for auditing. In preparation for implementing that system I am trying to define the processes in more detail. As always, thanks for the advice

Re: Process Maps - What is the 'Best of the Best' format you've seen?

hjilling said:

No, you don't have to make a process map for every process. You do need to define how all the processes fit together however. Most companies determine what their processes are, then make one high level flowchart showing how it all flows together.

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For example, see: this diagrammatic systems map and the slides around it.

Process Mapping Basics.

Re: Process Maps - What is the 'Best of the Best' format you've seen?

Simple Top Level Process Map is very similar to the processes map that I created, no? For the most part, all of the sample maps I've seen resemble in some way that map.

All of our processes fit together when the customer is satisfied. If they are satisfied, we know what we did was goooooood

I guess I'm just not grasping how to define how all processes fit together. Accounting plays a role, Engineering plays a role, Administrative, Production, etc. all play a role in customer satisfaction to turn inputs into outputs. But for the most part the customer requests a product, we quote, receive p.o., build, ship, etc. And all in between Purchasing may buy parts needed, Accounting may do a credit check, Engineering may verify the drawings, etc. They are supporting functions with different processes.

Re: Process Maps - What is the 'Best of the Best' format you've seen?

Here is an excel process map that can be altered. Its based on a previously posted one.

Let me know what you think............

My

Re: Process Maps - What is the 'Best of the Best' format you've seen?

Frank T. said:

Here is an excel process map that can be altered. Its based on a previously posted one.

Let me know what you think............

My

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That is quite the map! Very interesting...a bit confusing at first but really makes perfect sense! I like that!

Re: Process Maps - What is the 'Best of the Best' format you've seen?

Hi Frank,

This is an excellent map because all the details of the process flow is included. However, could you pls. expalin it a little as it is confusing.

Thanks and Best Regards,

Re: Process Maps - What is the 'Best of the Best' format you've seen?

Eesha said:

Hi Frank,

This is an excellent map because all the details of the process flow is included. However, could you pls. expalin it a little as it is confusing.

Thanks and Best Regards,

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What would you like explained?

It does look a litttle confusing at first, like Pazuzu said. But, all and all I think its self explanatory. It was a basic flow of how my company operated and was ultimatly used to look for any opportunity for improvements.

Hope this helps. If you have any specific questions just ask. I will try and answer them the best I can. (If I can't another cover will )

Re: Process Maps - What is the 'Best of the Best' format you've seen?

Hi Frank,

Please could you expalin the flow cycle w.r.t. to the depts that have been mentioned in the semicircles.... i.e. What I am interpretting is that From Administration all other depts are coming out like Sales, Purchase,... the major chunk being operations. What is the semicircle that relates to Warehouse and Material. I mean i am not clear with the placing of the depts.By Warehouse and Material do you say that it can be incoming material and then after production it is the finished goods...
Please explain and clear my ambiguity, because this process map is a classic one!

Re: Process Maps - What is the 'Best of the Best' format you've seen?

Eesha,

IMO: To better understand the flow cycle, view the image as a nucleus (see attached example). The administration being the core, a strong center, made up of upper management, etc. Then you have the different layers, inner layers being material, warehouse, opeations and production, which is the inner workings of the "nucleus". The other layers, consisting of sales, purchasing, engineering and quality are what provide support, guidance and structure for the inner working layers. And of course without all these elements working in somewhat harmony, you have destruction.

This might be a bad analogy. Hopefully someone understands what I meant.

Eesha said:

What is the semicircle that relates to Warehouse and Material. I mean I am not clear with the placing of the depts.By Warehouse and Material do you say that it can be incoming material and then after production it is the finished goods...

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That is what I mean.