Business process mapping is a framework that helps companies create visual representations of processes within the organization. Mapped processes can include products, software, services and even the onboarding or offboarding of employees. Organizations also use this framework to improve current processes or to map out and brainstorm new ones. Process mapping is also useful for training, internal auditing, role assignment or RACI, compliance, workflow clarification and business process improvement.

Business process mapping has a long history going back to the 1920s when Frank Bunker Gilbert Sr. unveiled the “flow process chart” to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). Since then, the framework has evolved with regular updates as it passed through the hands of various engineers until the 1950s. Eventually, it was adapted for more generalized business processes, rather than just for mechanical engineering. Now it helps organizations create new streamlined processes and improve processes that are already implemented.

[ Learn the new rules of IT-business alignment in the digital era and why IT-business alignment still fails. | Find out what your peers are up to with our 2019 State of the CIO report. | Get the latest insights by signing up for our CIO daily newsletter. ]

A business process map can help your organization be more efficient, reduce waste and gain insights and transparency into daily business operations. Typically, business process mapping falls on the desks of business analysts, but it’s a skill that can span industries and job titles. If you deal with business processes on a daily basis, it can be important to understand every aspect of that process from start to finish, whether you’re an analyst or not.

Creating a business process map takes time and consideration, but it doesn’t have to be over complicated or stressful. There are plenty of examples online that will help you build your own process map and you can easily find business process mapping templates if you search for them. The key to creating a successful business process map includes asking questions, assembling a team of relevant employees, getting leadership on board and monitoring the success of the process once it’s been improved or implemented.

There’s lots of advice on how to create a process map but general best practices include the following steps:

Creating a business process map can be as simple as drawing it up on a whiteboard during a meeting, but if you have a large team or organization with several stakeholders spread out across departments, you might opt for third-party software to streamline the process. These software tools can help you see real-time changes to a process map, collaborate with other team members, track data over time and deliver valuable analytics to everyone involved. Typical features include real-time collaboration tools, visualizations that will help non-technical stakeholders understand the process, and templates and guidelines to help you build and create process flow charts.

Popular tools and software for business process mapping include:

While business analyst is the job most commonly associated with the framework, business process mapping is a tool anyone in an organization might need to master if they deal hands-on with business processes. Whether you are a seasoned business analyst or are looking to add business process mapping skills to your resume, there are several courses, training programs and certifications available.

To earn a business process mapping certificate or to take a training course on the subject, check out any of these educational resources:

This story, "Business process mapping: A framework for visualizing internal processes" was originally published by CIO.