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Create a process flow diagram to kickstart your plans

A simple process flow diagram is great for optimising systems, and Post-it® Products are the right tools to help your team dig into a plan, figure out what makes it tick, and solve problems more efficiently.

In certain cases, the best way to plan/optimise the steps in a process are to visualise them. The simple process flow diagram provides an easy-to-use method towards identifying the ins-and-outs of your system. 

Want to know how a system can be implemented or improved? A simple process flow diagram is an effective way to map your process and document how a particular task is done. Get started by assembling a small team familiar with the process, find some wall space, gather some writing materials and use these rough guidelines:

  • 1

    Create a key to help map your process: 
    a. Elongated circles typically symbolise the beginning and/or end of a process
    b. Rectangles indicate instructions or actions.
    c. Diamonds show decisions that must be made

    These symbols will be connected to each other by arrows, which show the flow of the process.

                                     Create a key to help map your process

  • 3

    Start your diagram by drawing the elongated circle shape on a Post-it® Note and label it 'Start.'

  • 4

    Move to the first action/question and use the rectangle or diamond shape depending on your specific scenario. Write the action/question down and connect it with an arrow to the 'Start' shape. (Hint: use a Post-it® Full Adhesive Roll to create your arrow to allow for flexibility in case your diagram changes.)

    Move to the first action/question and use the rectangle or diamond shape depending on your specific scenario.

  • 6

    Once you’ve mapped the entire process, place an elongated circle at the end and label it 'Finish.'

    Label it finish

  • 7

    Have your team scrutinise the diagram. Are there ways to improve your process? Should additional steps be added? Are the right people in the right roles? From this point, you may gain new perspectives about the efficiency of your operation.

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