Hello;
Which process flow representation has turned out to be the "best off representation" in practice?
I should restructure my processes!
Which details belong in the process?
Hi, Qualygirl...you've received some wonderful guidance in the earlier posts, I'd like to continue down the pathway that
@Tagin started. Tagin asks "What will the users of this information actually understand?"
This is key!
I grew up on process maps, yet it turns out that the company I currently work for has a workforce that doesn't understand them. The staff here prefer work instructions - line-by-line, detailed documents.
Before you start revamping your documentation, I highly encourage you to ask the users what they prefer. It might be as simple as creating some examples for them. Write out a detailed work instruction for how to make a perfect cup of coffee. Then create a process map (I personally prefer one that uses swim lanes showing accountability, so you have both the "who" and the "what", and an implied "when"). If you have a third method for documenting the process, even better.
Then let the staff decide. You may find that front line staff prefer one style while support and leadership prefer another. This is completely okay. Flexibility is vital within any management system.