Process mapping swim lanes. How swimlanes improve process mapping. Process mapping swim lanes

 
 How swimlanes improve process mappingProcess mapping swim lanes Professionally designed swim lanes in visually appealing slides

Swimlane process maps are used for planning, documenting, and modeling processes. To create a swimlane diagram in PowerPoint: You need to make use of the right shape for the right purpose for your swimlane diagram. m. Value stream mapping, or “material or information-flow mapping,” is a visual tool. Process maps with swim lanes shows handoffs between process stakeholders. The map defines what the business entity does, who is responsible and to what standard a process should be completed. It’ll help you visualize the division of responsibilities and interactions within the process. 5. Professionally designed swim lanes in visually appealing slides. A pool represents major participants in a process. Very fast video on how to create and use a Swim Lane Process MapGitMind. Alternatively, you can start the. Pools and swim lanes. Module 3: Mapping a Business Activity. Lucas made a point of being rather didactic with these two important concepts of BPMN. At its core, the Swim Lane. 4. 2 libraries from the Business Process Diagram solution, the Swim Lanes library from the Business Process Mapping solution as the perfect basis for your Swim Lane Flowcharts. Go beyond simple text and arrows—use our. If prompted, select Horizontal or Vertical for the swimlane orientation and click OK. Click the Cross Functional Flowchart template, and then click Create. They were developed by Lynn Shostack for usage in projecting. The mapping process is the most valuable part - the map itself is a by-product. Use simple notations when developing your Business Process Map. When we plan projects, analyzing options is a critical part of our process. 0 diagram. Process Mapping (also known as process charting or flow charting) is one of the most frequently used tools for process analysis and optimisation. Hence if a task falls in Person A’s swim lane, he is responsible to get it done. The swim lanes for a single process flow should be all of one type (either user or system) to enable easier understanding. Microsoft Visio. Especially as we head into the digital age, more and more. pinpoint accountabilityAnd indirectly, the user experience, customer experience, or the whoever will work, deal, and use your apps, services, etc. Pools are the largest component of a BPMN diagram. A process flow diagram helps detail the relationships between the components of a project or industry. A common practice in process modeling is to employ a visualization technique called swim lanes. How to draw: Draw a table of 5 columns for Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, and Customers. Recommended Resource: LucidChart. The second advantage of process mapping is that it shows a process with the activity owners. The lanes are labeled to show how the chart is organized. I took an integration scenario between S/4HANA Cloud and SAP. Enclose the starting point in a rounded rectangle. Nov 7, 2015 - The Business Process Mapping solution has a collection of vector graphic libraries, pre-made templates, and examples of the business process. The corresponding lanes each illustrate a theme or item, and so can be used to explain a process flow, stages of a project lifecycle etc. Swim Lane Flowchart Symbols Use the set of special professionally developed swim lane flowchart symbols - single, multiple, vertical and horizontal lanes from the Swimlanes and Swimlanes BPMN 1. May 1, 2017. Draw even the most complex of processes and add swimlanes with minimal effort and time. These are referred to as swim lanes and may also be used to represent different roles in a process or a key piece of software. Create swimlanes. Workflow mapping is one of the quality improvement tools used to support Key Driver 2: Implement a data-driven quality improvement process to integrate evidence into practice procedures. Let’s look at our example of a team mapping the process of fulfilling an order. A swim lane map is similar to a flowchart in that it maps out a process, decisions, and loops; however, a swim lane map places events and actions in "lanes" to delineate a person/group responsible, or a. Identify stakeholders. The more stakeholders involved in a project, the easier it is for roles to blend into one another and for responsibilities to get jumbled up. ClickUp Process Flow Template 8. 6 Process Maps You Should Know & How to Choose the Right One. Fast Swimlane Diagram tool to draw Swimlane Diagram rapidly and easily. A Swimlane Activity Diagram, also known as a Swimlane Diagram or Cross-Functional Flowchart, is a visual representation used in business process modeling to depict the steps and interactions within a process involving multiple parties or departments. For a bug tracking process, the input would be a new bug found; and the output a bug solved. A swim-lane flowchart uses separate columns, or swim lanes, to track each task or activity in a process. - Define areas of responsibility within a process. A swim lane process map, also called a cross-functional flow chart or swim lane diagram, is a simple, visual representation of a business process and all the sub-processes that contribute to it and in. 2 libraries from the Business Process Diagram solution, the Swim Lanes library from the Business Process Mapping solution as the perfect basis for your Swim Lane Flowcharts. 5- BPMN diagram of continuous improvement. Format the height and width of the cells. , tasks and milestones) will be placed in their corresponding swimlane to declutter the diagram. If prompted, select Horizontal or Vertical for the swimlane orientation and click OK. Un diagramme swimlane est un organigramme qui indique le rôle de chaque intervenant dans un processus. Group 1 Group 2. Process mapping is a technique used to visually represent a step-by-step internal business process. We may need to make a details process map for that process. Swim lanes are visual elements used in Business Process Maps, Process Flow Diagrams and Flowcharts. How swimlanes improve process mapping. For a horizontal swimlane diagram, you can widen your columns by highlighting all of the columns that you will need, and then dragging from the boundary on the right side of. Phases divide the steps vertically. The best way to understand swimlane diagrams is to look at some examples of swimlane diagrams. This customer journey template offers a starting point for your own customer journey map. Dive deep into your workflow. The process is divided into several. Creating process maps for systems analysis and software engineering typically uses the IPO technique, which essentially divides processes into three steps: Inputs — information or data from the environment. Include all process stakeholders in. WorkflowHow to use the swimlane diagram template. This classic swim-lane flowchart defines the process of making pizza in a restaurant. On a blank PowerPoint slide, navigate to the insert tab and click “Shapes. It involves creating a process map, also referred to as a flowchart, process flowchart, or workflow diagram . The swimlanes are ordered in order the activities appear in the Process Map. The first step is to make the actu­al con­di­tion vis­i­ble and. Also support Flowchart, BPMN, UML, ArchiMate, Mind Map and a large collection of diagrams. Step 2: Pick a swimlanes template. edu by guest KENNEDI JOHNS Mapping Work Processes Business Expert Press This reference manual is designed to help those interested in passing the ASQ's certification exam for Six Sigma Green Belts and others who want a handy reference to. There are myriad benefits to using these mapping techniques and incorporating swimlanes. There are two kinds of swimlanes in BPMN: Pools and Lanes. The name “Swim Lane Diagram” comes from a pool with different swim lanes. SIPOC is an acronym that helps stakeholders identify the key elements of a process. The first step is to make the actu­al con­di­tion vis­i­ble and under­stood by every­one. Review Loan Application. Step 2: Identify the actors (swimlanes) In this case, there are 3 actors – the customer, the sales desk, and the hiring office. ÷H¼Cä-jÜ0 jÊ †Õ `’ÛÖàØ–ívèÛs“´(E) R+ÙDrìsîgÅ>±ºxÍD°c¹’1‰Â! @&*år “LJëÁ) ¬c2eBIˆÉ ,¹ ïï – l€jic2sNŸSj“ d̆JƒÄž‰2 sØ4SªYò¦@ ‡Ãcš(é@º Ë=Èxt 6 . Step 3: Start Showing the Process using PowerPoint Shapes. Right-click As-is Process and select Sub Diagrams > Existing. [1] Their method of diagramming allows you to quickly and easily plot and trace processes and, in particular, the interconnections between departments and teams. Where you come across an activity with a swimlane that has been previously used, this activity is placed in that swimlane. Once the teams and categories are defined, the elements of the graphic (i. You know, theyUse the set of special professionally developed swim lane flowchart symbols - single, multiple, vertical and horizontal lanes from the Swimlanes and Swimlanes BPMN 1. Other visual process flow diagrams such as timelines, Gantt charts, roadmaps, and Kanban boards can all include swimlanes to show task and process owners. 0, pools/swimlanes are of one of four element types for Business Process Diagrams. It typically flows from the top down, and it shows the steps of a process in a clustered flow. Rotate the labels of your swimlanes from vertical to horizontal, and vice versa. Step #2: Bring Together (The Right) Project Team. Doesn't define customers/suppliers. 4 Focus • A process map may focus on: o an entire organization o department o single process unit o group o a single performer • Depending on the level of complexity, the process map entails data like time, handoffs, delays, procedural steps, etc. Start Visio. A cross-functional process map answers the following questions. Results: The concept mapping process resulted in six clusters of statements: 1) Right dose and right drugs for me; 2) Safe, positive and welcoming spaces; 4) I am treated with. [1] Their method of diagramming allows you to quickly and easily plot and trace processes and, in particular, the interconnections between departments and teams. The acronym stands for supplier – inputs – process – outputs – customer. As the name suggests, this type of swimlane diagram is made for process mapping. Slide 7 When we build a swim lane process map, we consider all the factors that we do for a standard or basic process map. ClickUp Kanban for Software Development Template 9. Open the Project Browser by selecting View > Project Browser from the application toolbar. From process flows to swimlanes, here are the four different types of. This framework gives you a broad,. , a department or a single role, like an assistant manager). Drag any process shapes into the correct swimlanes. This SIPOC diagram template can help you: - Document high-level business processes. Common swim lanes might include departments, teams, individuals, or even external parties. Inputs: The resources you need for the process to function. These visuals help to manage workflows. Additionally, it can be used to identify the value-add activities, non-value-add activities, and delays in order to optimize the process. Change the color of the swimlane containers or make them transparent for added clarity - if you want to. –8:00 p. Define Activities and Steps: Break down the process into individual activities or steps. These diagrams use a sequential order of blocks to show the tasks needed for a desired. Click the Cross Functional Flowchart template, and then click Create. Use the set of special professionally developed swim lane flowchart symbols - single, multiple, vertical and horizontal lanes from the Swimlanes and Swimlanes BPMN 1. Adding swimlanes to the process canvas. 2 libraries from the Business Process Diagram solution, the Swim Lanes library from the Business Process Mapping solution as the perfect basis for your Swim Lane Flowcharts. Drag any process shapes into the correct swimlanes. Add a rectangle for the body of your swimlane, and then a smaller one on top or the left of the first shape (that will be the title of the container). Adding flow objects to your BPMN diagram . Determining the scope of the process will help you define a clear starting point and natural conclusion. Process flow diagrams document or improve a process—or. Use the set of special professionally developed swim lane flowchart symbols - single, multiple, vertical and horizontal lanes from the Swimlanes and Swimlanes BPMN 1. Use the set of special professionally developed swim lane flowchart symbols - single, multiple, vertical and horizontal lanes from the Swimlanes and Swimlanes BPMN 1. 3 Use consistent and descriptive labels. Unlike swimlane activity diagrams, a swimlane process map illustrates potential scenarios in a process that can result in more than. As evidenced by the name,. Explain what ‘draw. SmartDraw does much of the drawing for you. Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Swimlanes in PowerPoint. Step 3: From the Process category, select ‘Basic Flowchart Process’. Process mapping tools are found in every quality practitioner’s toolbox. It is available in vertical and horizontal lines, with one lane for each person, group, or subprocess. ‘As Is’ Process. These maps are also called Business Process Diagrams and Business. Identify the process you want to map out and identify key steps, decision points, and the roles or actors involved. Then click insert “swim lane” shape on the arrow that appears. By default, you'll start with 4 lanes, but you can easily add or remove lanes as needed. Use the set of special professionally developed swim lane flowchart symbols - single, multiple, vertical and horizontal lanes from the Swimlanes and Swimlanes BPMN 1. Workflow diagrams are closely related to business process mapping. Slide 7 When we build a swim lane process map, we consider all the factors that we do for a. ——Lucidch. Use the set of special professionally developed swim lane flowchart symbols - single, multiple, vertical and horizontal lanes from the Swimlanes and Swimlanes BPMN 1. All you need is the following four notations. Example: The rectangle is a Process, the shape used for the main steps in the process. Thanks!Use the set of special professionally developed swim lane flowchart symbols - single, multiple, vertical and horizontal lanes from the Swimlanes and Swimlanes BPMN 1. These are represented by the different people that will perform that job. Flowcharts are widely popular and one of the most frequently diagram types. 2 libraries from the Business Process Diagram solution, the Swim Lanes library from the Business Process Mapping solution as the perfect basis for your Swim Lane Flowcharts. A swim-lane flowchart is often like the documentation of a relay race. Template 1: Swimlane Flowchart For Sales. In this step, record each action, decision point, and output of the process in sequential order. Flow Chart With Swim Lanes - AI Contents. - Quickly determine if a process is inefficient. Creating a process map involves drawing a shape, commonly a circle or square, and connecting it to other shapes using arrows or dotted lines. Open this template to view a detailed example of a SIPOC diagram that you can customize to your use case. Sometimes in a collaborative business environment, having a task span two swimlanes is a valid approach to a swimlane diagram and has a lot of meaning for the two functions involved. By default, you'll start with 4 lanes, but you can easily add or remove lanes as needed. Cross Functional or “Swim Lanes” Map. Step 1: Open PowerPoint and navigate to the ‘Insert’ tab. ”. These will be the swimlanes in our diagram. Switch to edit mode, and select the " Swimlanes " tab in the right panel. Start/End: The oval depicts the. Next, list down the departments,. • Identified team leads for each function in the value stream flow • The participant list, both for in-person and remote. Pools. SmartDraw does much of the drawing for you. H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre. Value stream mapping (sometimes called VSM) is a lean manufacturing technique to analyze, design, and manage the flow of materials and information required to bring a product to a customer. 3. Apr 4, 2020 - Cross-Functional Flowcharts solution extends ConceptDraw PRO software with templates, samples and vector This example shows a workflow for replacing engine oil. This map shows the key elements of a process including Inputs, Suppliers, Processes, Customers, and Outputs. øóŠ¯K -§$¸,Çå¥b³Ÿ¿§µŠg õ’¢£^c@Ø ¦µà sØO 2ý0—Áj !*‹1vƵ=À [*ä=Û ¬t·ø O!¸cÆÝ. First, you need to select a process to start with. Each component depicts different stages of a business process. Contact Us. Step 3: Document the process. The purpose of process mapping is for organizations and businesses to improve efficiency. Continue reading "Swim Lane Flowcharts" What Is Swim Lane Mapping? Mak­ing improve­ments in com­plex, cross-func­tion­al busi­ness process­es can be chal­leng­ing. Today's hours: 8:00 a. Cross-functional process maps help you to see the department and the phase in which an activity occurs. These have the same UML flowchart symbols used in the low-level process map example. The step-by-step approach for creating current and future state metrics-based. Make use of at least to decision loops and two alternate paths. First up, you can customize how and when process steps overlap with one another. 2. Documenting the process map is about putting the steps and information gathered previously into a cohesive, easy-to-understand diagram. A process map is an important part of any Lean Six Sigma project – it helps communicate the process at the center of your project and guides you to specific areas of focus. A simple way to increase the insight of a process map is to add swimlanes, which segments a process by “who” completes different steps. Add text to the swimlanes by clicking on each. It can be a good business process mapping strategy for processes such as: Supply chain processes. Swim Lanes Diagrams miss defining customer-suppliers in terms of process relationships. This is an example of a fast-foot swimlane diagram. Next, define the participating entities for the process. The below swim lane diagram is a great way to visualize the steps in planning your business. Excel Process Map for Basic Flowchart Template 9. Now, map the start of the process by writing down the first step or task that puts it into motion. The corresponding lanes each illustrate a. ”. Identify the suppliers of each of the inputs. The process is divided into several swim lanes. Its purpose is to model ways to improve efficiency, account. Process Mapping practice to identify and understand who is supplying and what to each of the steps in a process flow, and what these steps are outputting and to whom. In principle, this concept helps you make the process clearer by dividing work into subtasks. Step #5: Map the process steps. Remember to include the connections between the different lanes, and add details about the deadlines and who’s responsible for each task. We recommend changing the page orientation to Landscape mode so you have more room to work with. Sources (n. 2 libraries from the Business Process Diagram solution, the Swim Lanes library from the Business Process Mapping solution as the perfect basis for your Swim Lane Flowcharts. Also known as "material and information-flow mapping", it uses a system of standard symbols to depict various work streams and information flows. 3. There are a variety of process maps, and you may know one by a different. Process — tasks performed on inputs to produce outputs. They show the “who,” “what,” “when,” “where” and “how” for these steps, and help to analyze the “why. 1. A swimlane flowchart (or swimlanes) is a type of flowchart that simulates the lanes in a swimming pool to highlight the job sharing and tasks of the members in a business process. Use a cross-functional process map to illustrate the sequential steps of a process or a procedure as they cross departments and phases. In the context of process mapping using swim lanes, what are best practices for representing processes done by multiple people? I usually expand the process box across two swim lanes. Developing high-quality question-and-answer sets for chatbots. Loan “AS-IS” Process with 1. Updated onAugust 4, 2023. Drag more swimlane shapes from the Shapes window. You can change the orientation on the Cross-Functional Flowchart tab. It portrays all the cycle steps and the choices taken all the while. 1. PowerPoint Cross-Functional Process Swimlane Template by SlideTeam 10. One of the key elements of a swimlane diagram is the labels that you use to name your swimlanes, activities, and connectors. Process mapping. Get key people together in a room from across the organisation, pick one core. They also come with BPMN so you can download any modify with BPMN supported tool. I like it as a tool to communicate to the sponsor early on in the project; and I certainly like it as a tool to communicate out to stakeholder groups. Use the set of special professionally developed swim lane flowchart symbols - single, multiple, vertical and horizontal lanes from the Swimlanes and Swimlanes BPMN 1. As the name suggests, this type of swimlane diagram is made for process mapping. Process Flow Mapping using “Swim Lanes”. The process of drawing the swim lane process map may take a lot of time and attention. Using swimlane diagrams to improve process flows Professionals who want to document any business process model or add an extra layer of clarity to process mapping can do so by creating a swimlane diagram. Swimlane diagrams are a type of process map that use horizontal or vertical lanes to separate the tasks and responsibilities of different roles or functions in a process. Identify basic process symbols and how to effectively use them in creating process maps on PowerPoint. ConceptDraw. How to manually make a swimlane diagram in PowerPoint. The first step in drawing a process map is to select a connecting arrow to connect the boxes (process steps) and diamonds (decision boxes). The Best Free Swimlane Diagram software - Easy-to-Use, Powerful and Web-Based. Step 4: Document the Process. Detailed Process Map/ Detailed Flow chart:- While studying the high level process map, if we want to get more detail of a particular process. Use the set of special professionally developed swim lane flowchart symbols - single, multiple, vertical and horizontal lanes from the Swimlanes and Swimlanes BPMN 1. Write what the process should deliver as result and outcome, then you have the scope for the process owner to start mapping. It outlines the steps in a process, identifies task owners, and shows expected timelines. Identify the process you want to map out and identify key steps, decision points, and the roles or actors involved. 4. Identify Swim Lanes: Determine the swim lanes of your swimlane process map, which represent the different entities or roles involved in the process. To group the process shape with a swimlane, move the shape so that Visio highlights the swimlane, and then. Process maps are a powerful planning and management tool that help you improve and streamline a process's workflow. How to draw: Draw a table of 5 columns for Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, and Customers. ANSWER Process Mapping - is a diagrammatic portrayal of the progression of data and additionally material in an interaction. Select and delete the default text boxes on the slide that opens. Examples include the ordering and delivery of drugs to health centres, auditing. When creating a swimlane diagram, decide how many swimlanes mean by the number of department sections of fragmentation you need in your swim lane diagram software. A different pool may be in a different company or department, but still involved in the process. Maintain consistent use of colors and shapes to signify the different types of steps in the process. Outputs: The results of the process. Swim lane Map:- Swim lanes is a technique used in process mapping to simplify the work procedure. You can quickly add vertical or horizontal swimlanes with a click of a button. Identify the inputs of the process. You can use Miro as an all-in-one solution that provides necessary tools at every stage of the mapping or diagramming process. The process map is called a “swimlane”. Once the process map is finalized, the draft should be converted into an electronic document. Arrows guide functions across lanes. Use this template. Step 1: Name and scope your swimlane diagram. Review the process map with the process mapping team and other relevant stakeholders. Swim lanes – Swim lanes describe either the user or group of users who performs the steps or the system in which a series of steps or decisions are taking place. The Swim Lane Process Map is just one of the many tools used in Six Sigma, and it's particularly helpful for identifying and visualizing the steps involved in a process. 1. Here’s a hint: Add swimlanes to your process map to represent roles or departments. In order to group process steps by owner, you’ll need to place the in parallel rows. • Process Flow MapProcess mapping is a technique that allows us to visually understand the process, who is involved, and how the inputs into the process are translated into outcomes or deliverables. Placing activities within horizontal or vertical swim lanes associated with relevant parties involved in the process, this type of flowchart increases. map and metrics-based process map. Then add some information about the steps (like cycle times, number of workers, etc. In BPMN 2. The best way to understand swimlane diagrams is to look at some examples of swimlane diagrams. You can start with your company’s business model, value chain or current process hierarchy. The swim lane method is best suited for lower detail level mapping. Go to the Insert tab, click Shapes, and add a large rectangle to your slide. Determine the lanes for the process. TemplateLab Swim Lane Process Map Template. To align swimlanes with pools and lanes, you need to follow some basic rules and best practices. Identify the outputs. ⭐️⭐️⭐️ GET THIS TEMPLATE PLUS 52 MORE here: Ready made and ready. 1. Open PowerPoint and select a new blank presentation. Level 4, Value Stream Mapping & Level 5, KPIV, KPOV For detailed insights on the levels of process maps, refer to previous forum discussion. Step 4: Play with aesthetic elements. Using it, you can build a mind map, organizational chart, UML diagram, or a process map. A basic process flowchart is the most simple flowchart type. While this is a finished, horizontal chart, it’s best to use the vertical format when developing a chart. Review Loan Application” where elaborated details. Use the set of special professionally developed swim lane flowchart symbols - single, multiple, vertical and horizontal lanes from the Swimlanes and Swimlanes BPMN 1. The purpose of process mapping is to communicate how a process works in a concise and straightforward way. Only now, four cross functional swim lanes have been used to identify who is responsible for each element, decision or data. Outline tasks and interactions: Use the process mapping tool to add tasks, decision points, and interactions between roles and departments. Processes are mapped at what level, not the how level, what is to be achieved and not how it is actually done. Label each swimlane with a name or symbol and place the steps and. Intuitive horizontal and vertical swimlane. This will be the main part of your swimlane. Function A. A swimlane diagram is a visual project management tool that helps distinguish key roles, organizes processes, and illustrates interactions. It has a big. Question: Using appropriate mapping symbols develop a swim lane process map for purchasing a present for a family friend. Click on any of these swimlane diagrams included in SmartDraw and edit them:. Rand-McNally-Road-map–Western-and-Log in to Reply. Document. Step 3 – Determine the product/process family to VSM. 2 libraries from the Business Process Diagram solution, the Swim Lanes library from the Business Process Mapping solution as the perfect basis for your Swim Lane Flowcharts. . Process mapping is a powerful tool used to visually depict and analyze the steps involved in a business process. Sw. Plan: business. A swimlane diagram is a visual project management tool that helps distinguish key roles, organizes processes, and illustrates interactions. Click INSERT > Shapes, and point to a shape for a Screen Tip to see its essential purpose. If you find yourself with multiple empty horizontal swimlanes or lanes with only 1 step and. We may need to make a details process map for that process. It’s as simple as sketching out as many lanes as you have teams or people — so, if there are four teams involved in the process, you’ll need four lanes. Each process should have a clearly defined start and endpoint. Use the set of special professionally developed swim lane flowchart symbols - single, multiple, vertical and horizontal lanes from the Swimlanes and Swimlanes BPMN 1. - Access Lucidchart's flowchart shape library. This is easy to do, since our Swimlane templates are easy to edit. In the Categories list, click Flowchart. With Truvle, organizations can harness the power of swim lanes to optimize their processes and drive success in today's competitive business landscape. From the navigator pane, select Add Tool , then select Process Map . In the diagram, each swimlane corresponds to a department involved in the fulfillment in some critical way. You can add swimlanes in any diagram. Use it to create an effective Business process map, SIPOC diagram, Swim lanes flowchart and clearly define the necessary business processes due to their inputs and outputs. d. Much like a. Apply for a Loan with “+” sign 3. These lanes on a process map represent a person or department. Step 1: Add Swimlane to a Diagram. Cross-functional flowcharts contain a high level of detail that can help organize a business process and flesh out your project plan. Purpose of process mapping. 0 diagram. Ranging from options as simple as pre-formatted, editable swimlane diagram templates to more complex, purpose-built solutions, swimlanes tools simplify and speed up the process of. Søren Pommer demonstrates how to draw a simple process map, and why keeping it simple can be very beneficial to your business. No matter if you’re a small startup or a large multinational, you’ll certainly have business processes that require input and actions from people in multiple departments. Process mapping is an important tool in any Operational Excellence initiative ( Lean , Six Sigma , Lean Six Sigma , Design for Six Sigma DFSS , Kaizen , Continuous Improvement ). Swim lanes are an essential component of process mapping and are widely used in various industries to visually represent the flow of work and responsibilities within a process. Process mapping helps you to streamline processes and get work done faster.