Author Note

Read more about Process Policy Maps in our new book, Execution Dynamics.

A Process Policy Map is a Business Tool

A Process Policy Map (PPM) provides a common integrated visual language for capturing important operational and business information for an entire Strategic Business Unit (SBU). PPMs arose out of the need for greater visibility into process details and dynamics as well as to bridge the gaps between the various management perspectives in an organization. Simply put, a PPM creates a layered definition of a whole SBU without sacrificing any of the details for internal operations or the supply chain.

PPMs elevate process mapping to a business focus via a holistic and integrated definition of an SBU. Their visual language is intuitive for all roles and stakeholders, not just process domain experts. Visual analysis of a PPM alone provides tremendous value for decision makers, even without doing a quantitative analysis. It facilitates discussion and collaboration among managers as well as operational personnel, and helps surface many issues that might normally fly under the radar. Importantly, it reinforces thinking and action in terms of the entire business system, not just isolated elements.