In order to improve any operational process and provide greater customer value, business processes first needs to be understood, and the easiest way to understand a process is by drawing or mapping it. Mapping forms the basis of all process improvement as it shows:

• The current state i.e. “this is how we presently do it”
• The link between information and material flow
• Mapping visually describes your facility…..a picture is worth a thousand words
• Highlights process steps and identifies areas of waste. Remember the general rule: “The more process steps, the more waste a process has”
• Supports team-based improvement
• Provides a model and common language for Continuous Improvement (CI).

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