ROUTE DIAGRAM: WHAT IT IS FOR, HOW TO DO IT, EXAMPLES - DUDAS - 2024

A journey diagram is a graphic idea of ​​a business process from its beginning to its end. It reflects how individual tasks, actions or resources flow between different people or groups. It also shows what needs to be done to get each task completed.

Tasks are usually represented as boxes and diamonds, although pictures or even real photos can also be used. Each shape or image is connected to one another by an arrow, showing how those tasks are related to each other and how each task should be done.

Source: James Bray Griffith Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Route diagrams were born in manufacturing in the late 1880s, when the workforce was undergoing a major transformation. Scientific manager Frederick Taylor and management consultant Henry Gantt led a movement for a labor organization and devised ways to improve quality management through a variety of processes, one of which was the journey diagram.

What is a path diagram for?

It is used to show the sequence of the flow of materials through a system through various pieces of equipment, detailing the connections of that flow and the operating conditions throughout the design of the plant.

It is necessary that they know how to read the route diagrams because it is the main method to detail a production process. Also, the most effective way to convey information about the design of a process is with the use of these diagrams.

This simple tool, along with other improvement methods, has helped companies improve processes to remain competitive in a growing market.

To create a walkthrough diagram, the first thing to do is a workflow analysis.

This basically consists of taking a deep dive into the way the organization's tasks are currently performed, including the sequence in which work is completed and the responsibilities of different employees.

Improve the process

The path diagram is a complement to the process flow diagram, because you can see the path that the material must take in more detail throughout the process.

This broadens the vision to improve the process, creating new routes to avoid bottlenecks and allow activities to be carried out with less cost and in less time, thus automatically increasing the productivity of the process.

Provide a broader context

The data that is collected will help design an initial walkthrough diagram. By viewing the tour, a broader context can be provided to the plans, whether it is seeking to identify critical work for a project, normalize certain processes, or pinpoint bottlenecks and weaknesses.

This quick picture also helps all team members understand at a glance not only what they are doing, but also how they fit into a broader business process, thus creating higher levels of cohesion and collaboration between departments.

Process overview

Tour diagrams also provide an overview of a business process, which means they are used as a springboard for developing other, more detailed process diagrams, such as data flow diagrams.

However, that does not mean that the route diagrams are for manufacturing only. Currently, companies of all kinds adopt it in order to have a clear overview of the processes within their business.

Symbols

Path diagram symbology. Source: Fernandapineros

How is it done?

Select process

Determine what process you intend to analyze and what you hope to discover. This will help you choose the type of diagram.

It is important to know who will see and use this diagram. If it is being analyzed by non-engineers, then you may want to create a diagram where everyone can understand what the symbols mean.

It is also important to distinguish whether the journey diagram is going to represent a process as it currently stands or what is expected to be implemented in the future.

Define the start and end point

What happens in between will already depend on the path of the process, but you have to make sure you have a clear starting point and a final goal.

Collect the information

This is where you talk to the different people and departments and gather information to ensure that the journey diagram is as accurate as possible.

It should describe what activities are involved in each stage and define who is in charge of these tasks.

Process timelines, deviations, potential bottlenecks, and potential improvements must also be considered.

Eliminate inefficiencies

Tasks are then taken at a glance and categorized into "essential," "useful," "normal," and "unnecessary." This will help streamline the process and assign jobs to the appropriate people.

To help classify tasks, you should consult the general objective of the process and also the general objective of the company. You have to ask yourself if any specific task contributes to these goals. If not, consider placing it on the "not necessary" list.

Design the route

Now is the time to turn all that data into beautiful images. Whether you use a pen and paper or a diagramming tool will depend on each person.

Whichever method you choose, make sure it is easy to edit, share, and use.

Analyze the results

It should be analyzed if there are bottlenecks, if certain processes take too long or some stages are more expensive than they should be. Also see if you can improve efficiency through automation. These are all valid issues to consider.

Diagram content

The path diagram is used in process engineering. This type of diagram shows the flow of materials, as well as the equipment involved in the process.

Shows the relationships between the main components of the system. Generally it only shows the main teams and does not show the details.

That is, it does not show the minor items, such as systems, classifications, and designations.

It is applied to give information to a visitor and also in the training of new employees. A route diagram should include:

- Symbols of the main equipment, names and identification numbers.

- Transportation processes.

- Interconnection with other systems.

- Controls that affect the operation of the system.

- Nominal values ​​of the system and operating values.

- Main bypass and recirculation lines.

Examples

The following examples show two path diagrams with different presentation philosophies, depending on the purpose being pursued.

Example 1

Source: Introduction to the G. Kanawaty Work Study at lawebdelingenieroindustrial.blogspot.com

Example 2

Source: edrawsoft.com

References

1. Georgina Guthrie (2019). How to create an awesome workflow diagram - and why you need one. Cacoo. Taken from: cacoo.com.
2. Edrawsoft (2019). Comparison between PFD and P&ID. Taken from: edrawsoft.com.
3. Carlos Carreon (2019). Stroke diagram. Online Engineering. Taken from: ingenieriaonline.com.
4. The Web of the Industrial Engineer (2016). Stroke diagram. Taken from: lawebdelingenieroindustrial.blogspot.com.
5. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (2019). Routing diagram. Taken from: en.wikipedia.org.