Learn about maps

Workspace offers several types of maps.
Process map

Use a process map to illustrate the sequential flow and the relationship of steps in a process or procedure.

Cross-functional process map

Use a cross-functional process map to illustrate the sequential steps of a process or a procedure as they cross departments and phases. Departments (also called swim lanes) divide the steps horizontally. Phases divide the steps vertically.

Value stream map

Use a value stream map to show how materials and information flow through the value stream. A current state value stream map helps you to identify waste and to envision an improved future state.

Journey map

Use a journey map to illustrate the process a person goes through as they accomplish a task.

Add a process map

Add a process map tool to describe the flow of your process.

  1. From the navigator pane, select Add Tool, then select Process Map to see the available process map templates. You can also browse through the list of tools or start typing the tool name in the Search box.
  2. Select Create to add the tool to your project.

Add shapes and connectors

From the Shapes gallery, you can complete the following steps.

  1. Add shapes.
    1. Select the start shape and select the workspace. While the shape is selected, enter text to identify the start shape.
    2. Select the decision shape and select the workspace. While the shape is selected, enter text to identify the decision shape.
  2. Connect the shapes.
    1. Select the right-angle connector , then hold the pointer on the start shape.
    2. When the anchor points appear on the start shape, select one and drag it to an anchor point on the decision shape. Anchor points keep the shapes connected when you move them around on the map.
  3. Continue to map your process.
Tip

To add the same shape multiple times, select the Multi-Insert button, select the shape in the gallery, then select the map where you want the shape to appear. Continue to select the map until you have added as many shapes as you need. Select Multi-Insert again to turn it off. You can also use Multi-Insert with connectors.

Add variables to a shape

You can add, copy, and move X variables, Y variables, lean data, and process data to shapes on a process map to give you a better understanding of which variables affect the outcome of each step.

In the previous chapter, you made an X variable from a shape on a brainstorming tool. Now, you can move that X variable to a shape on your process map.

  1. Select a shape on the process map.
  2. In the task pane, open the Variables tab. Under X - Input Variables, select Move.
  3. In the Data Selection dialog box, select the variable, then select OK. The variable name appears in the task pane.

Show data on a map

After you add data to a shape, you can show it on the map to see where to focus your attention.

  1. Right-click a shape, then choose Shape Data > Select and Arrange Shape Data.
  2. In the Select and Arrange Shape Data dialog box, choose variable data fields to position relative to the selected shape. For example, under X Variables, drag Name to the shape, position it, then select OK.
    In this example, the variable name appears above the shape.

What's next

Now that you have mapped your process, you can use forms to evaluate the variables that affect your process and develop plans to address the issues.