The effective visualization of a process

In today's complex business world, process mapping is an essential tool for companies of all sizes. Clear and understandable process visualization can mean the difference between efficiency and chaos. In this comprehensive guide you will learn how you can optimally map and visualize your processes in order to achieve maximum transparency and efficiency in your company.

Why is the visualization of a processes important?

Visualizing processes is more than just a pretty graphic. It is a strategic tool that helps you:

Simplify complex processes
Uncover inefficiencies
Improve communication between departments
Facilitate training for new employees
Accelerate decision-making processes

An effective process flow visualization can take your business to a new level of productivity.

Methods for process Visualization of a Process: The Importance of Continuous Improvement

There are different techniques to visualize processes. Here are some of the most common methods:

1. Flowcharts

Flowcharts are a classic method of visualizing a process. They show the process of activities and decisions in a logical order. Flowcharts are particularly suitable for:

Linear processes with clear decision points
The visualization of if-then scenarios
The identification of bottlenecks and loops in the process

2. Swimlane Diagrams

Swimlane diagrams are an extension of the classic flowchart. They divide the process into different “lanes,” each of which is assigned to a department or person responsible. This type of process visualization is ideal for:

Processes that involve multiple departments
Clarification of responsibilities
The identification of transfer points between departments

3. BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation)

BPMN is a standardized approach to visualizing business processes. It offers an extensive range of symbols and rules which enable precise process visualization. BPMN is particularly suitable for:

Complex business processes
Communication between technical and non-technical stakeholders
The automation of processes

4. Value stream analysis

Value stream analysis is a lean management method that visualizes the flow of materials and information. It is particularly useful for:

Production processes
Identification of waste and optimization potential
Improving processing time

Steps to effectively visaulize a process

To effectively map a process, you should consider the following steps:

1. Define the process: Clearly determine which process you want to visualize and what the goal of the representation is.

2. Sammeln Sie Informationen: Sprechen Sie mit allen Beteiligten, um ein umfassendes Verständnis des Prozesses zu erhalten.

3. Choose the appropriate method: Decide which visualization method is most suitable based on the complexity and purpose of the visualization.

4. Create a draft: Start with a rough sketch of the process.

5. Refine the depiction: Add details and ensure that all steps and decision points are represented correctly.

6. Review and validate: Have those involved review the process visualization and make any necessary adjustments.

7. Implement and communicate: Ensure that the final process visualization is made available to all relevant employees.

Best Practices for process visalization

To make your visualization of a process as effective as possible, consider the following best practices:

Keep it simple: Avoid unnecessary complexity in your visualization.
Use consistent symbols: Make sure your symbolism is consistent and easy to understand.
Add explanations: Short descriptions can help clarify complex steps.
Use colors wisely: Colors can help highlight different aspects of the process, but don't overdo it.
Consider the target audience: Adjust the level of detail and language to the needs of your target audience.

Process visualization tools

There are numerous software tools that can help you visualize a process. Here are some popular options:

Lucidchart: A versatile online tool for various chart types.
Microsoft Visio: A powerful program for professional process visualizations.
Draw.io: A free, feature-rich, browser-based alternative.
ARIS: A comprehensive business process management and modeling platform.

Visualization of a Process: The Importance of Continuous Improvement

The visualization of a process is not a one-time event. Processes evolve, and your visualizations should reflect this. Implement a process to regularly review and update your process visualizations. This ensures that your visualizations always remain up-to-date and relevant.

Challenges when visualizing a process

You may encounter various challenges when visualizing processes:

Complexity: Very complex processes can be difficult to visualize without seeming overwhelming.
Dynamics: Rapidly changing processes require flexible visualization methods.
Acceptance: Employees must be convinced of the necessity and benefits of process visualization.
Consistency: In large organizations, it can be difficult to ensure consistent visualization across all departments.

The importance of professional support when visualizing a process

While many of the process visualization methods and tools presented can be used internally, it is often recomended to work with a professional agency like Dialogbild. This is particularly important for complex processes or if the visualization is to be used for critical business purposes. Here are some reasons why working with experts can be beneficial:

Expertise: Professional agencies have extensive experience in visualizing complex processes and can bring in best practices from various industries.
Objective evaluation: External experts can look at your processes with fresh eyes and potentially identify areas for improvement that were overlooked internally.
Tailor-made solutions: Agencies like Dialogbild can tailor their process visualizations precisely to your specific needs and goals.
Time saving: By outsourcing process visualization, you and your team can concentrate on your core tasks.
Professional design: The visual quality of the visualizations can contribute significantly to acceptance and comprehensibility. Professional agencies ensure that your process visualizations are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing.
Training and implementation: Many agencies not only offer the creation of process illustrations, but also support the implementation and training of your employees.
Ongoing support: Long-term collaboration with an agency can ensure that your process mappings remain current and effective.

Investing in professional support to map out a process can pay off in the long term, leading to clearer processes, better communication and ultimately increased efficiency in your company. Especially when it comes to complex or business-critical processes, you should consider working with an experienced agency like Dialogbild.

chiesi attraktiver Arbeitgeber Zielbild Leitbild Strategiebild Dialogbild Agentur für Visualisierung von Prozessen, Veränderungen und Visionen.

DECIDE.DO.WIN.

Use the freedom. Be Chiesi.

Chiesi is dedicated to the research, development and distribution of innovative prescription therapeutic products in the fields of respiratory, neonatology, transplantation and rare diseases. Founded in 1935, the company currently employs more than 4,800 people in 26 subsidiaries worldwide and sells its products in more than 70 countries. More than 300 of their Hamburg employees work in internal and external sales. ...

FKS Erklärfilm Druckweiterverarbeitung Dialogfilm Dialogbild Agentur für Visualisierung von Prozessen, Veränderungen und Visionen.

FASTER, BETTER, FURTHER PROCESSING

THE BENEFITS OF PRINT PROCESSING IN THREE MINUTES

Who is FKS? What solutions does FKS offer? And why is the added value in print finishing? With an active customer orientation, FKS offers tailor-made solutions for individual consulting, planning and ultimately targeted implementation and supports systems nationwide over the entire life cycle. The systems for print finishing sold by FKS are systems that are geared towards maximum cost-effectiveness and special flexibility.

In a three-minute dialog film, FKS addresses the challenges in a print shop and highlights the advantages of print finishing based on individual solution areas. The dialog film is widely used by FKS at trade fairs, events, presentations in sales, meetings and on the Internet.. ...

Logo von Kühne und Nagel

SOLAS

NEW RULES FOR SEA FREIGHT – THE VERIFIED GROSS MASS

Kuehne + Nagel is the global leader in seafreight. More than 8,000 seafreight specialists are on duty around the globe and handeled over 3.8 million TEU (containers) in 2015.

For the international shipping community a new regulation became effective worldwide on July 1st, 2016. The so-called “VGM” (Verified Gross Mass”) requirements were created in order to prevent major incidents and accidents resulting from overweight containers.

In order to help the shippers to comply with the new regulation and to give information about the specific implementation at Kuehne + Nagel, Kuehne + Nagel approached Dialogbild for creating a dialogue video for visual support. ...

Logo von Liebherr

LIEBHERR LIVIEW

THE INTELLIGENT POSITIONAL TRANSDUCER

Companies face challenges when trying to present complex products and their functionality appropriately. Technical animations shall stimulate customer’s interests and convince them of new products. The marketing team of our customer LIEBHERR wanted to be more creative when presenting the intelligent cylinder with positional transducer LiView. That is why they contacted DIALOGBILD.

Our consulting and creation team had to implement the complex and technical attributes in a storyboard in such a way that it became informative but also charming in order to make it easier for customers to understand the attributes. ...

Logo von HAVI

TALENT MANAGEMENT

AT HAVI EMPLOYEES TAKE CARE OF THEIR OWN DEVELOPMENT

HAVI is a privately managed, global company, which develops, optimizes and promotes logistic and marketing solutions for well-known brands worldwide. As part of the standardization of global processes the yearly talent management process was standardized for 900 employees in over 40 countries.

In order to present the company′s development possibilties entertaining and understandable to the employees, Svenja Van Eeckhaut (Director –Global Talent Management) contacted DAILOGBILD. The result of the collaboration is a vivid dialog film, which shows with the help of a metaphor how employees can help shape their own path at HAVI.

What is meant by the visualization of a process?

The visualization of a process refers to the visual representation of workflows, business processes or procedures. It shows the individual steps, decision points and flow of activities in a logical order.

Why is visualizing processes important?

Visualizing processes is important because it:

Represents complex processes in a simplified manner
Improves communication and understanding within the team
Reveals inefficiencies and potential for improvement
Helps standardize work processes
Makes it easier to train new employees

What methods are there to visualize a process?

There are various methods of visualizing a process flow, including:

Flowcharts
Swimlane Diagrams
BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation)
Value stream analysis
Gantt Charts
UML activity diagrams

What is the difference between a flowchart and a swimlane diagram?

A flowchart shows the general flow of a process, while a swimlane diagram additionally shows the responsibilities of different departments or people through horizontal or vertical "lanes."

Which software is suitable for visualizing a process?

There are numerous software tools for process visualization, including:

Microsoft Visio
Lucidchart
Draw.io
ARIS
Bizagi Modeler

The choice depends on your specific needs and budget.

How detailed should the visualization of a process be?

The level of detail depends on the purpose of the visualization. The general rule is: as detailed as necessary and as simple as possible. Too many details can affect clarity, while too few details could leave out important information.

How can I ensure that my process visualization is comprehensible?

To ensure comprehensibility:

Use consistent symbols and notations
Add explanatory text
Structure the process logically
Avoid overloading with too much information
Test the visualization with people who are not involved in the process

How often should I update my process visualization?

Process visualizations should be reviewed regularly and updated when changes occur in the process. An annual review is appropriate in most cases, but more frequent updates may be necessary in dynamic environments.

Can I combine different visualization methods?

Yes, it often makes sense to combine different methods to comprehensively visualize a process. For example, an overview flowchart could be supplemented by detailed swimlane diagrams for individual sub-processes.

How can a professional agency help with process visualization?

A professional agency like Dialogbild can:

Bring expertise in the visualization of complex processes
Provide objective perspectives and best practices from various industries
Create high-quality, customized visualizations
Assist with implementation and training
Save time and resources in the company

Standardized notations like BPMN offer:

Uniform symbols and rules for clear communication
Better comparability between different processes
Facilitated collaboration between departments and companies
Possibility of automated process execution in some systems