Workflow mapping
Documenting processes before building
Before building any automation, you need to understand the current process in detail. Workflow mapping documents how work actually flows through your organization, not how you think it should.
What workflow mapping captures
- All steps in a process from trigger to completion
- Who is responsible for each step
- What information is needed at each point
- Decision points and their criteria
- Handoffs between people or systems
- Time typically spent at each stage
- Where things commonly get stuck or fail
The mapping process itself often reveals inefficiencies. We frequently find steps that exist for historical reasons but no longer add value, or handoffs that could be eliminated entirely.
Mapping methodology
Effective mapping combines multiple sources: documented procedures, observation of actual work, and interviews with people who do the work. Discrepancies between these sources reveal important information.
Using maps for automation design
Workflow maps become the blueprint for automation. They show what can be automated, where human judgment is required, what integrations are needed, and how to handle exceptions.
Zyrma begins every automation engagement with detailed workflow mapping. Understanding current state is the foundation for effective system design.