Metrics Based Process Mapping

What is it?

• A detailed process mapping practice that captures process steps, responsible actors, and key time and quality metrics
• Metrics-Based Process Mapping (MBPM) is a third generation lean process improvement techniques, optimizable for an extended organizational transformation effort.
• MBPM can be used to view the detailed, micro picture and make tactical improvements with frontline workers.

Why use it?

Metrics-Based Process Mapping should be used to map out specific process steps for an agreed upon process. Through facilitation, work together to define each process step, aligned to responsible actors. For each step, estimate the following metrics:

• Process time - the time it takes to actually perform the work
• Lead time - the elapsed time from the work is made available to when it is completed and passed onto the next step
• % Complete & Accurate - % time downstream customer can perform the task without having to correct, to add, or to clarify the incoming work

Mapping the process together builds shared understanding around the process and adds visibility into the pain points and bottlenecks. These observations can help the team identify potential improvements.

How does it fit?

MBPM documents a current state map, and then designs a future state map for subsequent implementation(s).

• The current state map is typically done in the Why area of the Discovery of the Open Practice Library.
• The future state map is typically done as part of the Outcomes area of the Discovery of the Open Practice Library.

MBPM can be paired with Value Stream Mapping. Used together, a MBPM visually details an implementation-level segment of the strategy-level value stream map. One or more Metrics-Based Process Maps may align to segments within the higher-level map.

Facilitation Materials Needed

Some teams prefer whiteboards, but the most common approach uses paper and PostIts

• Drawing paper roll
• Different colored wide format sticky notes like the 4x6 sticky notes4
• Markers for the Post-Its
• Charcoal pencil and eraser to draw lines between Post-Its
• Chalk line can be useful, but not required

Further Information

• Webinar and Slides from Karen Martin’s Metrics-Based Process Mapping: What, When & How
• List of Webinars by Karen Martin