Graham Process Mapping Software 
for Documenting, Developing, Improving & Managing Business Processes

Where is the "value-added"?  This is another critical process component that is missing from most process maps.  Graham Process Maps, on the other hand, show every instance where data is added, deleted or used in a process.

Value-added Do symbols show value-added in manufacturing flows (a physical change to a product that takes it a step closer to completion). In information flows, value-added steps (when information is added or changed) are shown with Add/Alter symbols  with one exception -- the first time information is entered on a document an Origination symbol is used. This makes it easy to find new items that are created in a process. You can quickly spot the Origination symbol in the center of the illustration.

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All the other symbols are Non-value-added steps. Handling operation symbols represent doing non-value-added work. These symbols tend to show up more often that any other. They identify the setup and put away steps in manufacturing processes and "paper shuffling" in information processes. By the way, keying through database screens, doing lookups and other electronic activities that don't change the information are all handling steps.