What is the purpose of process mapping in quality management?

The purpose of process mapping in quality management is to visually depict the steps in a process for better understanding and improvement. This method allows organizations to clearly identify each step involved in a process, revealing how they interconnect and where inefficiencies or defects may arise. By illustrating the workflow, stakeholders can easily grasp how tasks are completed, which aids in pinpointing areas that may require refinement or reengineering.

This visual representation serves multiple functions, such as helping teams communicate effectively about the process, facilitating training for new employees, and enabling a systematic approach to identifying potential improvements. It promotes a culture of continuous improvement by making it easier to analyze the process flow, identify bottlenecks, and standardize operations for better quality outcomes.