The swimlane diagram is a visual tool that utilizes the setting of a lap pool as a metaphor for organizing processes within teams, workgroups, departments or multilayered organizations.
As seen in a lap pool, the lanes are separated by long floating ropes that serve as guidelines for multiple people to swim laps simultaneously without colliding while also enabling them to find their way easily.
Similarly, teams and companies are organized with clear job descriptions and consistent responsibilities to prevent individuals from "straying into each other's lanes" - this ensures that everyone works efficiently without interfering with one another or wasting time on redundant tasks.
Generally, a swimlane diagram takes the form of a flowchart that is separated into multiple lanes. Each lane corresponds to a department such as development, marketing or sales. Additionally, lanes can also represent external entities like customers or third-party vendors.
The shapes within each lane exemplify all the processes that are encompassed within the diagram's scope. The arrows indicate how these objects feed information and/or materials to one another.
Overall, the swimlane diagram shares some similarities with a flowchart while also incorporating elements of an org chart and value stream map. It provides insight into what tasks are performed, who performs them and how everything comes together.
Benefits of a swimlane diagram
Swimlane diagrams offer an uncomplicated and visually appealing solution to simplify processes that may otherwise be overly complicated.
As organizations expand, they often take on more functions. Without proper attention, these functions can become siloed off from one another which leads to miscommunication and delays. Implementing a swimlane diagram is an effective way to plan for cross-functional collaboration and ensure alignment within your team when using this powerful flowchart online.
Moreover, you can utilize a swimlane diagram to identify inefficiencies or bottlenecks within existing workflows. By mapping out a process, you can pinpoint areas that slow down work. For instance, if one lane appears significantly more full than the others, brainstorm ways to ease the burden on that function.
How do you make a swimlane diagram?
To begin, select the Swimlane Diagram template in FigJam and follow these instructions to personalize it. Additionally, you can utilize FigJam's flowchart maker and shapes for added customization.
1. Clearly define your objectives
Before embarking on the diagramming process, establish a clear understanding of what you hope to achieve. It's important to note that swimlane flowchart templates are particularly useful for visualizing how multiple contributors or teams collaborate through various stages of a process.
2. Identify your swimlanes and commence mapping out the process
Customize the swimlane flowchart by including the names of each team member, function or stakeholder. Remember to also incorporate external stakeholders like customers or contractors as necessary.
3. Obtain input from stakeholders through interviews
Conduct brief interviews with each stakeholder featured in the draft diagram to gain insight into how their responsibilities fit within the broader process. Create objects to represent each step they perform.
4. Complete your flow mapping by adding arrows
Arrows demonstrate the progression of responsibilities from one step to the next, and can either stay within lanes or cross lane boundaries. Add an arrow whenever a step triggers another or makes it possible.
It's important to keep in mind that there is no right or wrong way to design your swimlane diagram. You can use as many lanes as necessary and arrange them in any direction, whether it be north to south or east to west, based on your specific process requirements.
Swimlane diagram example
The use of a swimlane diagram is an effective way to visually organize the various steps and stakeholders involved in your business processes. This type of diagram is particularly useful in managing functions that require collaboration between different departments, such as B2B transactions.
To create a swimlane diagram for these types of functions, you would need to add a separate lane for each department involved, including customer service, sales, inventory management, and payment processing. Additionally, you would also include lanes for the client and the payment system itself. The objects within the diagram might include tasks like making sales calls, recording orders, processing payments, delivering items and providing customer service.
It's important to connect each step with those that follow it to ensure smooth flow throughout the process. For example, an order leads to payment which then leads to shipping and delivery. By creating this diagram you will have a clear overview of your sales process which can be used as a valuable tool for future reference.
