What is process mapping?

Process mapping is fundamentally defined as a visual representation of a process that outlines steps, inputs, outputs, and interactions. This representation allows stakeholders to clearly see how a process functions, including the sequence of activities and the flow of information and materials. By visually mapping a process, organizations can identify areas for improvement, streamline workflows, and enhance overall efficiency.

The effectiveness of process mapping lies in its ability to communicate complex processes in a format that is easily understandable. This aids in training new employees, aligning team members on process steps, and facilitating discussions around process improvement. By displaying the relationships between different elements of a process, it helps in pinpointing bottlenecks, redundancies, or potential failure points that need addressing.

Other options presented may address related concepts but do not encapsulate the essence of process mapping. For instance, creating documentation for quality management systems focuses more on maintaining records and compliance rather than visualizing processes. Analyzing employee performance pertains to evaluating individual contributions and capabilities, which is a different focus from the broader process view that mapping provides. Lastly, producing high-quality products with minimal waste, while related to quality improvement and efficiency, does not specifically describe the practice of illustrating processes or their components.