What is Lean Six Sigma Process Mapping?

Lean Six Sigma is an effective quality improvement method that integrates Lean and Six Sigma principles to promote continuous improvement and increase customer satisfaction. One key element of Lean Six Sigma is process mapping, which gives organizations a visual representation of process mapping and helps identify improvement opportunities.

In this blog post, we’ll examine Lean Six Sigma process mapping, its importance, and how it can be utilized to drive meaningful improvement in quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Whether you are an experienced quality professional or new to process improvement, this blog post will give you a clear understanding of what Lean Six Sigma process mapping entails and how it can be employed for effective change management. So let’s get started –

Lean Six Sigma Process Mapping

Lean Six Sigma is a methodology that combines the principles of Lean and Six Sigma to improve the quality and efficiency of processes. Lean focuses on reducing waste and increasing efficiency, while Six Sigma focuses on reducing variability and defects.

In Lean Six Sigma, process mapping plays an important role in identifying areas for improvement and guiding the improvement effort. A Lean Six Sigma process map visually represents a set of processes that incorporates both Lean and Six Sigma principles.

The process map is used to identify areas for improvement, such as waste, variability, and bottlenecks, and to develop strategies for reducing or eliminating these issues. These are also used to guide the collection and analysis of data to support the improvement effort.

Lean Six Sigma process mapping aims to create a clear, efficient, and effective process that meets customers’ needs and supports continuous improvement. Organizations can significantly improve quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction by using a Lean Six Sigma process map.

The benefits of process mapping

As you reduce waste in your company’s operations, you already have a lot to do. Why not dedicate resources to creating a flowchart that shows your entire process? These are the benefits of Six Sigma process mapping.

• View the entire process in one place. Visualizations help people understand abstract concepts faster. You don’t have to walk through the entire process or read explanations for each step in order to understand it. Instead, you can view the whole process on a process map.
• Find waste quicker by visualizing it. You can easily identify areas that are not adding value or have lower efficiency. As we will discuss, you can also create a map of your future state to compare it with your current one.
• Meet or exceed your expectations. Quality is the key to Six Sigma. Your customers will receive the exact products and services that they have expected. Six Sigma process mapping allows you to see the process in action so that you can identify areas where you might be missing.
• Keep the documentation in a file for future reference. Train new employees or circulate the updated process to everyone so they are all familiar with the procedure.

Six Sigma process maps

Depending on your project goals and the process being looked over, you should review each step or drill down to document them all. Or you may only need a quick overview to share with stakeholders. These can help you reap the benefits of Six Sigma process mapping, regardless of your situation.

SIPOC

SIPOC stands for suppliers’ inputs, process outputs, and customers and gives you a high-level overview of your process. This diagram can be used to help you start a process improvement project or for more detailed.

Map of high-level processes

A high-level PM shows the basics of your process, so that you can understand it quickly without getting into the details. This is useful for executives and managers who need to understand the process but not all details.

Process map with detailed instructions

A process map is a detailed representation of the process. It helps you to see every detail in the process, or a part thereof. This one is essential for identifying the root cause of any errors or waste. Including employees involved in the process is possible, as they have the most knowledge.

Swimlane diagram/Deployment flowchart

The swimlane diagram (also known as a deployment flowchart) divides the process according to the person or team responsible for that stage. This one demonstrates cross-functionality and clarifies where handoffs occur, which might not be as obvious in others.

Value stream map

A value stream map is a diagram that shows and analyzes all the steps involved in producing or delivering a product. This detailed diagram shows the current status of a process, with a focus on value-added or non-value-added activities. To create a value stream map in minutes, use Lucidchart’s value stream mapping template.

How to make a Six Sigma process map

With these options, you can now understand your process and create a process map. Let’s take a look at the Six Sigma process mapping steps.

1. Identify context and scope

What process or section of a process should you review? Once you clearly understand how the PM should help you, you can select a type and how detailed it should be.

2. Identify the steps in your process and arrange them.

Set the start and finish points for your Six Sigma process. Keep in mind the purpose and scope. You can also add other shapes to represent inputs, outputs, and transportation of materials. To visually distinguish these steps, use the PM symbol.

3. Ask other people to check the map for accuracy

To ensure that these are accurate, you can send them to different people. To see if you have covered all steps, you could walk the process with your Six Sigma process map.

4. Examine the process map to identify any pain points

This will allow you to visualize your entire process. Great! This document is available for you to refer to if you have questions. Is there anything you can do to combine or remove steps? Are there any redundancies you can see? What is the reason for delays in the process? Ask yourself why the process works the way it does. To track the changes you wish to make, take notes or modify yours.

Do you find Process Mapping to be helpfull in your projects?

Tell us about your experience in the comments below.

Related articles

• What is a Six Sigma Process Map?
• Lean Six Sigma Input Map
• Lean Six Sigma Value Stream Mapping (VSM)
• Six Sigma RCA – Input Map
• Lean Six Sigma Value Stream Map Online Training (Complete with Certification)