How Do You Identify Cross-Functional Dependencies With Flowcharts?
Cross-functional (or deployment) flowcharts are often called “swim lane” diagrams because of their likeness to the lanes roped off in a swimming pool. They illustrate the steps in a process and detail inputs, activity and outputs. Their strength lies in their ability to represent the different function groups or individuals who carry out each step and the relationship that exists among them. The diagram is constructed by linking each activity together in the sequence of events as they occur, the activity being placed in the column belonging to the individual or department that carries it out. Draw a large rectangle on a sheet of paper to almost fill the page and divide it into as many columns as necessary, either horizontally or vertically, to represent the individuals or groups who will carry out the tasks. Limit them to fewer than five, otherwise it becomes difficult to see the dependencies among tasks. Label the diagram with the name of the process it represents and each column with
