5.4 Process analysis

	Process analysis is the systematic examination of all aspects of a process to improve its operation- to make it faster, more efficient, less costly, or more responsive to the customer.
	The basic tools of process analysis are process flowcharts, diagrams, and maps.
	Exhibit 5.1 shows the various flowcharts available in Microsoft Visio to map out business processes.

Exhibit 5.1: Flowcharts available in Microsoft Visio.

5.4 Process analysis

	These flowcharts come in many different sizes, shapes, and forms; several are depicted in this topic.
	While the format and symbols used may vary, the "process" of building a flowchart follows these steps:

		Determine objectives.
		Define process boundaries.
		Define units of flow (i.e. patients, products, data)
		Choose type of chart.
		Observe process and collect data.
		Map out process.
		Validate chart (with user, expert, or observation).

5.4 Process analysis

Process flowcharts

	The classic process flowchart looks at the manufacture of a product or delivery of a service from abroad perspective.
	The chart uses five standard symbols, shown in Figure 5-6, to describe a process:

The details of each process are not necessary for this chart; however, the time required to perform each process and the distance between processes are often included.

5.4 Process analysis

	By incorporating non-productive activities (inspection, transportation, delay, storage), as well as productive activities (operations), process flowcharts may be used to analyse the efficiency of a series of processes and to suggest improvements.
	They also provide a standard method for documenting the steps in a process and can be used as a training tool.
	Automated versions of these charts are available that will superimpose the charts on floor plans of facilities.
	In this fashion, bottlenecks can be identified and layouts can be adjusted.
	Process flowcharts are used in both manufacturing and service operations.
	They are a basic tool for process innovation, as well as for job design.

Figure 5.6: A process flowchart of apple processing.

5.4 Process analysis

	Process improvement teams are likely to make a first pass at diagramming a process.
	With adhesive notes plastered on large sheets of paper connected with hand-drawn arrows.
	As documentation of the process becomes more complete, departments or companies may prefer particular symbols to represent inputs, outputs, decisions, activities, and resources.
	Flowcharts can take many forms, from freehand drawing to animated simulation.
	Exhibit 5.2 shows a simple flowchart created in Excel.
	More supplicated flowcharting tools are available from Microsoft Visio.
	SmartDraw (www.smartdraw.com), iGrafx (www.Igrafx.com), and others.
	You may be able to download free trial copies of the software for limited periods of time.

5.4 Process analysis

Exhibit 5.2: Flowcharts in Excel.

5.4 Process analysis

	Figure 5.7 shows a process map , or swimlane chart, so called because it maps out the activities performed by various people in the process.
	Often process maps will include a time scale as well.
	Figure 5.8 shows a simple value chain flowchart from supplier to customer.

5.4 Process analysis

Figure 5.7: A process map or swimlane chart of restaurant service.

5.4 Process analysis

Figure 5.7: A process map or swimlane chart of restaurant service.

5.4 Process analysis

Figure 5.8: A simple value Cain flowchart

5.4 Process analysis