The first, and often most missed review of a process map is for readability. All the analysis in the world may not help a process if the readers can’t understand it. The map in the picture below is used as an example of what happened when process maps are poorly conceived. This one has many readability problems, some highlighted on the slide.
Process Analysis for understanding and comprehension. Courtesy Harvard Computing Group, Inc.
Process Analysis for readability and understanding can be made easier by following certain steps. Reviewing the map and determining if your maps has the follow problems is a good place to start. In each case ensure that the reader will be able to follow your instructions precisely, and then modify the process map accordingly. Check to see if your map:
- Lacks noun/verb or verb/noun formats
- Contains unclear Task or Task Link descriptions
- Has inconsistent use of Resource or Role names
- Presents inaccurate Task or Process descriptions
- Incomplete Process maps
- Missing results
- Missing hyperlinks
- Missing graphics
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