| In business, it is important to be efficient by not | | | | computers can handle. With companies larger than |
| having tasks overlap and making sure that all bases | | | | ever before and various industry-specific, national and |
| are covered. Business process mapping can help in | | | | international rules to comply with, it would be |
| this respect by clearly defining the requirements of | | | | unimaginable to list down everything of requirement |
| every internal business process. Process mapping | | | | with a pen and paper. |
| seeks to delineate responsibilities, and clearly define | | | | Another advantage is the accessibility of data. |
| the company's processes and procedures. It can also | | | | Information relevant to business processes can be |
| define the metrics by which the success of a | | | | called up with the click of a button and easily |
| business can be measured. | | | | changed or updated. Also, metadata can be attached |
| Although the first known instance of process | | | | to activities, drivers and triggers in order to provide a |
| mapping can be attributed to Frank Gilbreth in 1921 | | | | more complete comprehension of business processes. |
| with his introduction of the flow process chart, many | | | | This metadata can include relevant documents, |
| of the conventions of the method are still apparent in | | | | compliance rules, times, volumes etc. |
| the way that business process mapping is done | | | | With the help of software created by business |
| today, despite the use of computers and software | | | | people who are well aware of what it takes to run |
| programs. | | | | and improve a business, business process |
| There are, however, a number of benefits that | | | | re-engineering, regulatory compliance and other |
| come with using computers for this task. One major | | | | activities are now easier than ever before. |
| advantage is the sheer volume of information that | | | | |