Flowcharts are great for showcasing the steps of a process from start to end but for operations that require teamwork, there's a more efficient tool: the swimlane diagram. Also known as Swimlane process map, this Cross-functional flowchart adds a new layer of information to your process graphic representation. Just like the lanes in a swimming pool, the swimlane diagram places the steps of a process into vertical or horizontal lanes to communicate the responsibilities of the team at each stage. What’s more, you will be able to see how the whole team interacts and avoid overlapping activities or bottlenecks in the process
Swimlane diagrams are not just lines that divide a flowchart. Swim Lanes come with visual elements to communicate the information flow during a process in the most efficient way. Whether it is in a horizontal or vertical format, you will find incredible swimlane diagrams in each slide including legends for the different flowchart symbols.
There is a special slide with a vertical swimlane to compare two processes in parallel. You can use it to demonstrate how a process saves more time than another, to showcase two optional processes with the same goal, to display two points of view of the same process, whatever you
want!
We wanted to give the classic swimlane diagram a try for planning and we came up with this idea: The Calendar Swimlane Slide. It works like a Gantt chart but if you look closely, you will see that roles and tasks go in the first columns. So, your team can identify who is in charge of each activity and when it needs to be done.
Information flow
Flowcharts have arrows to connect steps but when you add swimlanes, arrows take a whole new level of importance as they show how the information flows from one actor to another at each step.
Roles and responsibilities
A team is not a random group of people. In a team, everybody has a role and assumes responsibilities to deliver a work of value and quality.
Efficient processes
Knowing your processes from start to end is the first step toward continuous improvement. Swimlanes diagrams also help in a fair distribution of workload between departments.
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