Skip to content Process Mapping is a powerful Lean tool used to visually define, document, and improve workflows within construction projects. It identifies who is responsible for each step, highlights non-value-adding activities, and offers clarity on how a process should function. Ultimately, it’s all about making the workflow unobstructed and enabling continuous process improvement.
In the construction industry, Process Mapping is the visual representation of one—or several—core workflows that occur during a project. By mapping these processes step-by-step, project teams gain clarity on how work is performed, where delays or waste exist, and how improvements can be made.
While many teams understand how things are done, they often lack visual documentation of how they do them. Process mapping provides a standardised approach, which is critical for scaling operations, ensuring consistency, and onboarding new team members efficiently.
There are various types of process maps used in Lean Construction, depending on complexity and goals:
Basic Flowcharts – Outline sequential steps in a simple, easy-to-understand format.
Detailed Flowcharts – Include decision points and conditional paths.
Swimlane Diagrams – Visualise the interaction between multiple teams or departments.
Value Stream Maps (VSM) – Identify value-adding vs. non-value-adding steps to optimise efficiency.
SIPOC Diagrams – Define Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, and Customers to clarify process boundaries.
These visual tools serve as essential components in the Lean Six Sigma toolbox, especially when preparing for improvements using the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, Control) method.
Enhanced Problem Solving
Drives Continuous Improvement
Standardised workflows enable teams to track, measure, and refine processes more effectively—supporting a Lean culture of Kaizen (ongoing improvement).
Streamlined Communication Across Teams
Faster Onboarding & Training
Process Documentation & Knowledge Retention
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