Lean and Agile Logistics

Lean and Agile Logistics

The Process Mapping

The type of methodology incorporated in the case study of PD aquarium manufacturing firm, which was conducted in order to investigate flow of work and various other processes in the firm, is based up on process mapping. The methodology of process mapping is such an instrument of productive management that is being used worldwide for the sake of noteworthy developments in the overall performance of different kinds of businesses. The concept of process mapping is used to elaborate every single detail, involved in vital steps that are used in businesses. It gives every description in the form of diagram of the flow of work along with a contributing text to give it more meaning. It allows organisations and companies to analyse the complexity or simplicity of their companies.

So far the methodology has been proved to be a supportive communication tool that shows companies several new options to improve their current flow of work and then suggest possible new approaches either to amend or replace them. (Hunt 1996, pp.1-3)

Importance of the Process

There is no single facet of an individual's life that is devoid of some kind of process. Every individual interacts with different processes every day. This is only because most of the times we do not even notice them. But, when there is some kind of disruption in processes, analysis of that process has to be done. In short, process mapping tells you what in a company works and what does not (Madison 2005, pp.1).

In the case study of PD aquarium, it can easily be understood that how the method of mapping process was able to determine major flaws within the company's flow of work. Firstly, it determined that the company was encountering the issue of unnecessary movement of work, which was damaging efficiency of the production and was also consuming more than usual. Secondly, the company was taking long lead times for delivering orders, due to which customers were suffering. And the third major problem with the working of the company that was determined in the case study was poor quality of products. All these factors were interlinked in a chain of cycle due to which the company was losing valuable customers at the sake of the quality of their products.

With the global becoming more integrated every day and increasing competitiveness, different companies need to have their own process mapping teams or a section of their organisation particularly dedicated to have working knowledge of process mapping. Undoubtedly, the process is useful yet extremely difficult process to adopt. Though the call of the time is to make sure that every company or organisation has their own set of experienced and skilled people. It is very likely that after one successful implementation of the mapping process, the company may decide to conduct several such processes, to see whether their company or organisation is still working properly or losing its charm and effectiveness. There is an increasing need to give people training ...