You cannot improve what you cannot see. A Detailed FlowchartA granular map of a narrow process segment, using standard symbols (Oval, Rectangle, Diamond). Also known as: Process Map. Click term for full definition puts every step, decision and delay of a troubled process section on one page. Watch the short video, then work with the toolkit PDF: it explains the method, shows a worked example and gives you a blank template to fill in.
Tool video
The short tool video will appear here.
Detailed Flowchart in short
- Go to the GembaJapanese for "the actual place"; going to directly observe a process rather than relying on documents or memory. Click term for full definition. Watch the process where it happens. Don’t rely on old documents or memory.
- Write the story. Walk it a second time and list every step as a plain sentence.
- Set the boundaries. Draw start and end ovals that match your projectA unique, temporary endeavor with a defined goal that is important, urgent or complex enough to need its own organization outside the normal line organization. Click term for full definition scope.
- Draw steps and decisions. Rectangles for activities, diamonds with two or more exits for decisions.
- Verify and challenge. Walk the process again, fix the map, and ask: is every step needed?
Key points
- Map one narrow section in full detail.
- Oval, rectangle, diamond, and a D for delays.
- Observe first, then draw.
- Verify the map where the work happens.