Process Improvement Methodology
for Business Process Management
Graham Process Mapping Software can help you achieve your improvement goals...
Process Improvement Methodology
The Graham Process Improvement Methodology outlined below, like Lean, Six Sigma, TQM and others,
has its roots firmly planted in the early methods of scientific management. You will find a strong similarity
between this six-step model, Six Sigma's DMAIC, and PDCA/PDSA promoted by Deming and Shewart. The
principal difference between the Graham Methodology and the others is its focus on information processes.
The Graham Process Mapping Method, introduced in 1944, is an extension of the flow process chart,
a mainstay in manufacturing process improvement, that has been adapted to information processing to
display multiple documents and their relationships.
Process Mapping Method
The Graham Process Mapping Method is a powerful, detailed process
flowcharting method that will help you blow away your customers and associates. It has been helping
people develop better business processes since the 1940's. Well-prepared Graham Process Maps
are easy to understand and work with. The following process improvement
methodology outline includes articles and forms to help you be successful with your
process improvement work and to help you manage your business processes.
Define the Project
Select a process to study. Identify objectives. Identify
process start point and end point, WHO does the work, and WHERE
the work is done. Get appropriate support and approval.
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Define the Project
Preparing for Successful Process Improvement
Agreement Form1
Project Definition Checklist1
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Gather the Facts
Inform the people who are involved in the process about the
project and ask for their support with an executive
announcement. Interview experienced employees while gathering
facts at the workplace. Use the questioning method, the symbols
as shorthand and be quick and respectful of the "experts" you
are interviewing.
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Gather the Facts
Getting Everyone on Board
Collecting the Facts
Fact Gathering
Data Collection Checklist1 |
Prepare a Process Map
If your goal is process improvement, then a solid understanding
of the existing process is essential. A properly prepared Graham
Process Map displays every form and document (paper and
electronic) along with every database, system, application,
website... in the process. It shows WHAT happens to each item,
WHO does the work, WHERE the work is done and HOW LONG it takes.
To get a feel for working with the software, begin by copying
another chart. A sample chart 'Receiving.pdf' is provided for
this. Also, read through the Getting Started manual and print
out Keyboard Shortcuts.pdf and Using Graham Process Mapping
Software.pdf. These are all installed with the software and made
available on the Start Menu.
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Prepare a Process Map
Graham Process Mapping Software
Buy Now!
Flowchart Symbols for Process Mapping
Flowchart Conventions
Preparing a Process Map
The Key to Good Process Mapping
10 Keys to Better Process Mapping
Capturing Reality in a Process Map
Understanding Business Processes
Tools & Techniques Checklist
Receiving.pdf
Getting Started - A Self-Guided Tour
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Challenge the Current Method
Use the questioning method to work through the process map one
step at a time. Challenge WHAT is happening to eliminate steps;
challenge WHO does the work, WHERE the work is done and WHEN the
work is done to reorganize the workflow and combine steps.
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Challenge the Current Method
Business Process Analysis
Calculating Benefits
The Questioning Method
Proposal Preparation Checklist
Benefits and Costs Checklist
Proposal Presentation Checklist
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Install the Improved Methods
The project changes from research to "doing". It is this
changeover that sometimes keeps good ideas from becoming
reality. An implementation coordinator, a few tools, and a solid
method will help ensure that the implementation moves forward.
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Install the Improved Methods
Implementing Change
Implementation Checklist
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Manage the Process
Business Process Management is PEOPLE understanding, monitoring
and improving business processes. Store your process maps along
with relevant process and project data in your process library
where it is accessible for training, review, audit, and
continuous improvement.
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Manage the Process
Capturing Corporate Knowledge in a Process Library
Followup Checklist |
1 Available in the Free Project Kickstarter.
Free
Process Improvement Project Kickstarter!
Want more?
Methodology Booklet
Project Guide Booklet
Videos:
The Process Puzzle - 10:48
What is a Process? - 1:45
What do I Map? - 3:00
Process Mapping Symbols - 13:21
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The Process Improvement Project Guide
and The Process Improvement Project Workbook
Questions or Comments - Call 800-628-9558 or
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