The Role of Process Mapping in Optimization

Process Maps are a descriptive workflow of the step by step processes you take to complete an action. For example, to read this article, you most likely followed these steps: “You saw the article on your feed —> You clicked on the link to open it —> You waited for the article to load —> and now, —> you are reading it line by line.”

All of these steps have led to the action of ‘‘reading this article’’ and my itemization of the steps in sequential order can in some ways, be called Process Mapping.

Everyday, we go through multiple processes and decision points to complete certain actions. For example; To get to work at 8am, you may need to set one (or ten 😁) alarms the night before.

For small and large organizations, there are multiple benefits of mapping out their processes and I have listed a few below:

Benefits of Process Mapping:

1. Identifying Inefficiencies:

Process mapping helps you to identify any inefficiencies or unnecessary steps that might be hindering productivity. As commonly said, “A problem well stated is a problem half solved”. As such, knowing where the problem lies, is the first step to resolving the issue and removing inefficiencies.

2. Optimizing Business Processes: 

Process mapping is an invaluable tool in business improvement as it helps not only to clearly define the existing situation (AS-IS), but also to highlight potential areas for improvement (TO-BE).

3. Fosters Collaboration:

Process Mapping also helps to improve communication between individuals engaged in the same process. Having the processes mapped out encourages communication among the necessary stakeholders and, also creates a great environment for analyzing possible solutions.

4. Identifying scope for automation

It becomes very easy to identify which parts of your process may benefit from automation when you have a visual representation of what currently exists. Process Mapping enables better understanding of what processes can be automated and also, which processes should be automated. As you learn more, you will realize that not every process is an ideal candidate for automation. Process mapping gives you clarity on which processes will impact overall efficiency and return on investment for the organization.

Process Mapping and Automation

As mentioned earlier, there are many benefits to process mapping, one of which is that it helps organizations identify scope for automation. One can say that both process mapping and automation work hand in hand as while process mapping enables you to understand where the pain points are, process automation helps you resolve them. Therefore, together, they help optimize and streamline everything you do.

Some of the benefits of Process automation are:

1. Productivity:

One of the benefits of Process automation is Productivity. By deploying robots to perform repetitive tasks, productivity automatically increases (if done right), as robots are able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and faster. This also means that employees are freed up to focus on work that requires creativity, critical thinking or the human touch.

Depending on the situation, organizations may decide to deploy Attended Bots (which work in collaboration with humans to complete transactions), or Unattended Bots (which perform transactions without the need for any human assistance).

2. Cost Savings:

Another benefit of automation is that it saves organizational costs. Since mundane and repetitive tasks are delegated to bots, workers can now focus on more productive and valuable activities. This saves money by eliminating the time spent by workers on repetitive tasks.

3. Improved Customer Experience:

Fast problem solving and efficiency in handling queries are some of the things that matter most to customers. Automating your processes enables you to respond to queries faster and more efficiently, process orders quicker, and use data driven personalization to engage your customers. This sets your business apart from its competitors and ensures that you are delivering top-notch customer service to customers.

Other benefits of Process Automation are improved compliance, minimal errors, better standardization, and improved employee morale.

As organizations evolve and customer demands increase, the importance of improving your business and customer needs through automation becomes more evident. Many businesses want to work smarter, not harder - Process Mapping & Automation are very important to achieving that goal.