I need to describe internal processes performed by my department. I especially like the simplicity of ITTO format used in PMBOK (Inputs, Tools and Techniques, Outputs) so I thought of using the same approach for my processes.
Now I am looking for a tool to do that... and cannot find any. My requirements are quite simple: I need to be able to enter multiple processes, connect outputs with inputs and finally render chart with all the data.
I recommend Visio as well. Its a robust tool, and easy to use once you've done it. It works for the most straight forward of processes and lends itself to simplifying the most complex of processes. Saving Changes...
Recently I elaborate with my team the whole process diagrams of a manufacturing company. I used the XMind. This app allows to connect several files and several sheets of each file to obtain a connected process flow diagram of the company. This app is so easy to use and the people of each department took the responsability for the diagram of your own processes. Saving Changes...
Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
Visio, UML, Mind Mapping tool (like XMind as Stephanie mentioned). My advice, don't make it harder than it has to be. You can alway's refine it as you learn more about the available tools.
Good Luck! Let us know how you progress. Saving Changes...
Traci GreenProcess Manager| Lincoln Financial GroupWyncote, Pa, United States
In Six Sigma, this sounds very similar to the SIPOC. Where you identify you suppliers, inputs, process step, outputs and customer. For your purpose, the design would work but you have to alter the meaning of the columns. Google SIPOC template. There's plenty out there in Excel. Saving Changes...
Susan ThomsonProject Manager| Ontario Government (Retired)Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
Excel is a viable tool for my requirements. Thank you everyone Saving Changes...
Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
Jun 22, 2016 1:47 PM
Replying to Susan Thomson
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This is so cool and timely! I just started a volunteer position and need to create process flows. I am very familiar with Visio (unfortunately the company does not have it!). I never knew Excel could be used for process flows. Any pitfalls or tips for the new user?
Libre Office suite look very interesting
Thanks for mentioning
Saving Changes...
MOHD AMRI DINProject Manager, PMP| LUNAS LANGKAWI SHIPYARD SDN BHDLangkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
Miscrosoft Visio is better Saving Changes...
jialin yaoPM I| shen zhen china star optical techology co,ltdDongguan, Guang Dong, China, Mainland
you can use the software of Microsoft Visio to draw the process chart, and use the methoolgy of COPIS(Customer ,Output ,Process, Input,Supplier ),which was developed byW.Edwards.Deming. Saving Changes...
James EvansScrum Master| Self EmployedSaint Louis, Mo, United States
Apr 04, 2016 10:05 PM
Replying to Sudhakar Mokshagundam
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Excel has been the tried and trusted tool becasue of ease with which we can work.. all the major tools of visio are in it..
Definitely Excel. Most likely it is (1) already understood, (2) audience can probably open the files. Just my thoughts Saving Changes...
Visio : It automatically adjust streams if you need it and provide better alignment. But need some time to get use to it, not as friendly as Excel
Excel : Friendly and a very common and easy tool to use. However, it involves a bit more manual adjustments ensure better alignment. Saving Changes...
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