How to Get Started with
Business Process Management
Process Improvement Method

Graham Process Mapping is the most powerful detailed process mapping method available. 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 method outline includes articles, forms and checklists to help you be successful with your process improvement work and to help you manage your business processes. If you have questions, comments or suggestions, we would love to hear from you.
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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.	Preparing for Successful Process Improvement Agreement Form Project Definition Checklist
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.	Getting Everyone on Board for an Improvement Project Collecting the Facts for Preparing Process Maps Fact Gathering (for Process Improvement Projects) Data Collection Checklist
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.	Flowchart Symbols for Process Mapping Flowchart Conventions: Tying the Symbols Together 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 Use Graham Process Mapping Software Receiving.pdf Getting Started - A Self-Guided Tour
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.	Business Process Analysis Calculating Benefits The Questioning Method Analysis Checklist Proposal Preparation Checklist Benefits and Costs Checklist Proposal Presentation Checklist
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	Implementing Change Implementation Checklist
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.	Capturing Corporate Knowledge in a Process Library Followup Checklist

Methodology Booklet - pdf

Project Guide Booklet - pdf

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How to Get Started with Business Process Management Process Improvement Method

How to Get Started with
Business Process Management
Process Improvement Method