Process Map and Workflow Templates

Map how work really moves between people, find the handoffs where it gets stuck, and turn the map into clear procedures, with editable swimlane shapes and a complete worked example.

Who it is for

• Business owners who hear "is it ready yet?" more often than they should.

• Managers and supervisors whose work passes between people, shifts or teams.

• Instructional designers and trainers who need to turn real work into procedures and checklists.

• Operations and office managers improving a process without outside consultants.

The problem it solves

Most work problems happen between people: information that never arrives, work that sits in a tray, proofs that go back and forth, jobs finished with nobody told. A process map makes these handoffs visible. This guide shows you how to choose a process, run a one-hour mapping session with the people who do the work, mark six common handoff problems, test two or three fixes, and turn the improved map into short procedures for each role.

What is inside

Process Map and Workflow Templates (PDF, 19 pages)

• Copyright and License, contents and how to use the guide (2 pages)

• Why map a process, three kinds of map and words used (1 page)

• Six steps from first sketch to working procedures, and choosing your first process (1 page)

• Steps 1 and 2: Pick the process and bring the right people (1 page)

• Step 3: Symbols and drawing rules, with a simple flow (1 page)

• Run a one-hour mapping session, minute by minute (1 page)

• Step 4: Find the handoff problems, six types with signs, questions and fixes (1 page)

• Steps 5 and 6: Fix, test and turn the map into procedures (1 page)

• Variations for six workplaces, and common mistakes (1 page)

• Your first 30 days, the files and the final check (1 page)

• Templates with prompts: process scoping worksheet, swimlane map, handoff problem log, procedure from the map (4 pages)

• Filled-in example for a print shop: scoping and current map, handoff problem log, procedure and handoff checklist (3 pages)

PowerPoint (10 slides): symbol key with shapes, arrows and problem markers, a simple flow layout, three-lane and four-lane swimlane layouts with prompts, and the print shop map before and after. Every shape is editable.

Word worksheets (8 pages): scoping worksheet, handoff problem log and procedure template with prompts, plus the filled-in example.

How to use it

1. Choose a process and complete the scoping worksheet.

2. Map it in one hour with the people who do the work.

3. Number and log the handoff problems.

4. Test two or three fixes for two weeks, then draw the improved map.

5. Write a short procedure for each role and train everyone involved.

Formats and file types

• PDF (US Letter, print or screen), 19 pages

• PowerPoint (.pptx), 10 widescreen slides with editable shapes

• Word document (.docx), 8 pages

• Licensed for use within your organization

• Keep safety and required steps in every improved process. Check the rules for your location and company policy; this product is not legal advice.

Frequently asked questions