What is business process mapping in simple terms?

Business process mapping is the visual and tabular method of documenting how work actually gets done across an organization: what event triggers a workflow, which steps employees across different departments perform in sequence, where decisions and quality checks occur, which documents and IT systems are used, and what measurable output the customer receives.

Does ISO 9001:2015 require companies to draw process maps in BPMN 2.0 notation?

No. Clause 4.4 of ISO 9001:2015 requires organizations to determine the processes needed for the Quality Management System, their inputs, outputs, sequence, interaction, performance criteria, resources, owners, and risks, but leaves the visual format up to the company. Organizations can document processes using Turtle Diagrams, SIPOC tables, Swimlane flowcharts, or BPMN 2.0 models.

What is the difference between AS-IS and TO-BE process maps?

An AS-IS ('As Is') map captures the actual current state of a workflow, including all existing delays, duplicate handoffs, manual spreadsheets, and error loops. A TO-BE ('To Be') map represents the reengineered target workflow after non-value-added bureaucracy has been removed, risk control gates have been added, and RACI accountability has been assigned.

What is a SIPOC diagram and why build it before drawing detailed process maps?

SIPOC (Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, Customers) is a high-level scoping table that captures input suppliers, inputs, 5 to 7 macro process steps, outputs, and internal or external customers. Completing a SIPOC table before drawing detailed BPMN diagrams aligns department heads on process boundaries in 30 minutes and prevents scope creep.

How does BPMN 2.0 differ from a traditional flowchart?

A basic flowchart uses simple action rectangles and decision diamonds without strict rules for timers, parallel execution, exception interrupts, or message exchanges between independent organizations. BPMN 2.0 (ratified as ISO/IEC 19510) provides a rigorous engineering syntax of Events, Pools, Swimlanes, and Gateways (XOR, AND, OR) that is read identically by business executives and software developers.

Who is a Process Owner in an ISO 9001 system?

A Process Owner is the designated manager granted authority and resources to govern an end-to-end process from initial input trigger to final output delivery, regardless of how many departments participate along the way. The Process Owner maintains the process map, tracks target KPIs, leads root cause analysis for nonconformities, and drives continual improvement.

How often should business process maps be reviewed and updated?

Process maps are updated under two triggers: 1) ad-hoc whenever organizational roles change, new machinery or ERP modules go live, regulations shift, or a Corrective Action (CAPA) alters a workflow; and 2) on a planned basis at least once every 12 months during internal audits and Management Review.

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Business Process Mapping in Manufacturing and Service Companies: Applying SIPOC, Turtle Diagrams, BPMN 2.0, and VSM Under ISO 9001

Practical guide to business process mapping under ISO 9001 Clause 4.4: comparing SIPOC, Turtle diagrams, BPMN 2.0 (ISO/IEC 19510), and Value Stream Mapping.

Published March 20, 202614 min read

By: Denys Honchar

CEO of Ekontrol

Engineering business process mapping in BPMN 2.0 and SIPOC notations during ISO 9001 Quality Management System implementation

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What Business Process Mapping Is and What Clause 4.4 of ISO 9001:2015 Requires
The Three-Tier Process Architecture: From L1 Process Macro-Map to L3 Workstation SOPs
Comparison Matrix of 5 Mapping Notations: SIPOC, Turtle Diagram, Swimlane Flowchart, BPMN 2.0, and VSM
The BPMN 2.0 Standard (ISO/IEC 19510): Core Syntax Elements for IT Integration and Governance
Six-Stage Algorithm for Mapping AS-IS Workflows and Designing Target TO-BE Processes
Six Common Process Mapping Mistakes That Paralyze Operational Teams

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Business Process Mapping in Manufacturing and Service Companies: Applying SIPOC, Turtle Diagrams, BPMN 2.0, and VSM Under ISO 9001

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Business Process Mapping in Manufacturing and Service Companies: Applying SIPOC, Turtle Diagrams, BPMN 2.0, and VSM Under ISO 9001

On This Page

Frequently Asked Questions

What is business process mapping in simple terms?

Does ISO 9001:2015 require companies to draw process maps in BPMN 2.0 notation?

What is the difference between AS-IS and TO-BE process maps?

What is a SIPOC diagram and why build it before drawing detailed process maps?

How does BPMN 2.0 differ from a traditional flowchart?

Who is a Process Owner in an ISO 9001 system?

How often should business process maps be reviewed and updated?

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