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Swimlane Diagram

A swimlane diagram is a visual tool used for process mapping and project management, categorizing steps into 'swimlanes' that represent different departments or individuals involved. It enhances communication, clarifies workflows, and improves performance by standardizing processes. The document outlines the types of swimlane diagrams, their symbols, and steps for creating an effective diagram.

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rijaantony14
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116 views5 pages

Swimlane Diagram

A swimlane diagram is a visual tool used for process mapping and project management, categorizing steps into 'swimlanes' that represent different departments or individuals involved. It enhances communication, clarifies workflows, and improves performance by standardizing processes. The document outlines the types of swimlane diagrams, their symbols, and steps for creating an effective diagram.

Uploaded by

rijaantony14
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Swimlane Diagram

A swimlane diagram is a visual representation of a process and its


multiple facets.

For businesses, swimlane diagrams are helpful in process mapping


and project management.

This guide will provide you with an in-depth view of swimlane


diagrams and how they can communicate and enhance business
processes.

Swimlane diagrams or process flow diagrams are types of


flowcharts that divide the steps of a process into ‘swimlanes’ or
categories, hence its name.
These categories represent the groups or individuals that perform
each step in the process.

As you can see in this swimlane diagram example, the steps in an


order processing flow are categorized into four aspects or
departments:

Because it shows how a process extends to multiple business units


or departments with different functions, a swimlane diagram is also
called a cross-functional diagram.
Unlike a simple flowchart, a swimlane flowchart depicts who is in
charge of each process step. Swimlanes can be arranged
horizontally or vertically.

What are the benefits of using a swimlane diagram?

Swimlane diagrams have many uses and benefits. These include:

• Highlighting the process steps and responsibilities that are


assigned to an employee or department
• Providing a better structure for business processes in order to
clarify and organize workflows
• Standardizing and streamlining a process flow to improve
performance and prevent inefficiencies
• Promoting clear communication between teams and better
analysis of the phases of a project or business process

3 types of swimlane diagrams


Here are the three types of swimlane diagrams that you can use
depending on the project or process requirement.

Swimlane activity diagram

A swimlane activity diagram details the coordination of tasks or


activities in a process. This type of swimlane diagram is used to
create and systematize workflows.

For example, this swimlane activity diagram describes the activities


involved in a engineering process flow
Swimlane process map

As the name suggests, this type of swimlane diagram is made for


process mapping. Swimlane process maps are used for planning,
documenting, and modeling processes

Here is an example of a swimlane process map that shows how an


order request process works

Cross-functional flowchart

There are three types of cross-functional flowcharts. They are:

Deployment flowchart

A deployment flowchart is the most common and basic type of


cross-functional flowchart that organizes a process from start to
finish.

Opportunity flowchart

On the other hand, an opportunity flowchart groups the process


steps into activities that produce value, and activities that don’t.
This means it has only two swimlanes, which are ‘value-added’ and
‘non-value-added.’

Matrix flowchart

Lastly, a matrix flowchart is a complex flowchart designed for


complex processes.

What are swimlane diagram symbols?


Swimlane diagrams make use of various shapes and symbols to
convey the different components of a process. These are:
• Start or endpoints: These are rectangle shapes with rounded
corners used to indicate that a step is the start or end of the
process flow
• Activity shapes: Which are rectangles that represent an
action or task
• Lines or arrows: Are used to connect the process steps and
portray the correct sequence of the process flow
• Decision shapes: Which are diamond shapes that symbolize
a question or decision that needs to be answered with a yes
or no
• Input or output symbols: Which are parallelograms that
signal data coming in and out of the process flow
• Document symbols: Which are rectangles with wavy lines at
the bottom side which signify any document that is needed to
complete a process step
• Connector symbols: These are small circles that denote that
another flowchart is connected to the current diagram

5 steps to make a swimlane diagram and


best practices
Creating a clear and well-developed swimlane diagram involves
following a series of steps and helpful guidelines. Here are the
steps you can easily follow:

Step #1: Outline the process

Before you start drawing your diagram, you need to define the
process and all its components first. This means writing down the
title or name of the process, the objectives behind it or why you are
creating a diagram in the first place, the complete process steps,
and its performers.
Step #2: Plot the starting point

Once you have everything prepared, proceed with drafting your


swimlane diagram. On a separate sheet of paper, start by plotting
the first step in the process on the left side of the page. Draw a
rounded rectangle around it to mark it as the starting point.

Step #3: Divide the page into swimlanes

Now, draw vertical or horizontal lines across the page to create


your swimlanes then list before them the involved departments or
individuals according to the order of the process steps. They
should be at the top of the page for a vertical swimlane or on the
left side for a horizontal one. Your starting point should now be
aligned on the correct swimlane or the department in charge of it.

Step #4: Chart the steps

Next, starting from the left side of the page to the right, write the
rest of the process steps and align them on their respective
swimlanes. Draw the correct shapes or symbols around them to
ensure that each part in the process flow is conveyed properly.
Then, connect the process steps using lines or arrows to show the
correct sequence. Once you have completed all the steps, mark the
last step as the end of the process flow.

Step #5: Use a powerful swimlane diagram maker

To finalize your swimlane diagram, choose a diagramming tool


that can not only turn your design vision into a reality but can also
help you produce an impressive diagram. Venngage’s Swimlane
Diagram Maker is an intuitive design tool that allows you to create
a swimlane diagram for free, in just a few easy clicks.

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