The terms Business Process Reengineering, flowcharts and Microsoft Visio are enough to make most people throw up. In some cases, rightfully so, but there are useful purposes in charting your processes.

They give you an overview, either when you’re already in business or before you enter an initiative. Process diagrams give you an indication of how complex a certain series of activities is. Maybe something made sense during a meeting, but a diagram reveals how cumbersome that something is. Adjusting the process and implementing it will result in clarity and consistency.

Evaluate your processes. Look for shortcuts. Achieve results quicker.