The cross-functional map shown above is part of process mapping. Process mapping consists of three different kinds of charts:

• Relationship Maps show the overall view. They show the departments of an organization and how they interact with suppliers and customers.
• Cross-functional Maps or Swim Lane Charts show which department performs each step and the inputs and outputs of each step. These maps have more detail than a relationship map but less than a flowchart.
• Process Flow charts or Process Flow Diagrams take a single step from a cross-functional map and expand it to show more detail. Process flow charts and process flow diagrams are the same thing.

Maps and flowcharts help people understand a work process. They make the tasks, interfaces, inputs, and outputs more visible. Analyzing a process map may help reduce cycle time, reduce costs, and increase productivity.

To download and modify this cross-functional map, see the Drawing Instructions below.

The above cross-functional map is a template that you can use to create your own map.

In a cross-functional map the customer, departments and external companies are listed on the left. They are separated by dotted lines so it is easy to see which department does which step. Each department has its own "swimming lane." The steps are connected by arrows to show the order the steps are performed. The flow is generally from left to right. The lines are labeled with the input or output of each step.

If you haven't already done so, first download the free trial version of RFFlow. It will allow you to open any chart and make modifications.

Once RFFlow is installed, you can open the above chart in RFFlow by clicking on cross-functional-template.flo. Then follow these steps:

• Double-click on the words Customer, Sales, Purchasing, etc and replace them with the departments or groups you are interested in.
• Move the boxes around to show the steps in your process. Double-click the boxes to change the text.
• Connect these boxes with lines. You can add new lines from the stencil at the left if you want.
• Double-click each line and label it with the actual input or output for your process steps.
• To duplicate a shape, right-click on it and choose Duplicate.
• To delete a shape, right-click on it and choose Delete.

To draw this chart without downloading it, run RFFlow and use the Sample Stencil.

See also:
Process Mapping