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Seven Types of Process Maps - Part III
In the previous article, we discussed Document Maps, and Activity or Value Stream Maps. Today, we will review Work Flow Diagrams and Rendered Process Maps.
Work Flow Diagram
Work flow diagrams translate abstract UML, or Unified Modeling Language, symbols of squares and diamonds into graphical images, which are used to tell a more complete story than engineering notation communicates. Engineers are used to thinking conceptually and using symbols, but the workers in the field may need something less abstract and more concrete.  Task-level communications require more clarity and work much better when we get closer to reality.
Drawing the credit approval process in a work flow diagram format (Figure 1) brings the process to life. Workers might see themselves in the work flow and may see how the process works. Microsoft Visio contains various work flow diagram images (including the examples shown here) that can be used for drawing more than just process maps.
Figure 1: Credit Approval Process Work Flow Diagram
Work flow diagrams are great as a basis for developing MS-PowerPoint training materials for workers and can be used in combination with other process map types to provide process information from different perspectives. This same map could be drawn using swim lanes to communicate responsibilities more clearly.
Work flow diagrams are more realistic than process flowcharts, but there might still be room for improvement. Is there a more realistic process map?  Let’s look at a rendered process map.
Rendered Process Map
A rendered process map (Figure 9) is similar to a work flow diagram. It uses many of the same symbols to communicate process flows and activities, but it is not limited to just those symbols. Graphics, colors, and images can be combined to produce a more detailed and realistic map that everyone can relate to.
The “material order request & receiving” process depicts an inventory storage location or warehouse that is not physically at or near the point of sale. Activities are labeled “A” through “I” and are described at the top of the map.  Different process flows are color coded: green for customer approval within the purchasing sub-process, purple for distribution, grey for order processing, and orange for inventory picking. The orange triangles symbolize time waste.
Figure 2: Material Order Request & Receiving Rendered Process Map
Over the last four weeks, we have discussed seven types of process maps. Â Each serves a specific purpose and works really well in certain situations; some work better in certain situations than others. Â Which one(s) might work well in your company’s — or your department’s — situation? Â Can you see these types of tools making your work life easier, and helping your company run more efficiently and effectively? Â Please share your thoughts and opinions with us.
Read the Summary [LINK] of our ‘Seven Types of Process Maps’ series.
Related Articles:
- Visual Stories, Rendered Process Maps Help Teams Manage Change
- What Can - or Can’t - a Process Map Do?
- Seven Types of Process Maps - Part II
- Seven Types of Process Maps - Part I
- What is a Process Map?
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