5 Ways To Create Swim Lane Process Map In Excel

Swim lane process maps are a type of flowchart that displays the steps in a process and the responsible individuals or teams for each step. This visual representation helps to identify inefficiencies, improve communication, and enhance overall productivity. Microsoft Excel can be a powerful tool for creating swim lane process maps, and in this article, we will explore five ways to create them.

What is a Swim Lane Process Map?

A swim lane process map is a type of flowchart that displays the steps in a process and the responsible individuals or teams for each step. The map is divided into "swim lanes," which represent the different individuals or teams involved in the process. Each step in the process is represented by a symbol or shape, and the responsible individual or team is indicated by the swim lane in which the symbol appears.

Method 1: Using Excel Shapes and Objects

One way to create a swim lane process map in Excel is to use the built-in shapes and objects. This method requires some manual labor, but it can be effective for simple processes.

1. Open a new Excel spreadsheet and set up the layout for your process map.
2. Use the Shapes tool to create the swim lanes. You can use rectangles or other shapes to create the lanes.
3. Use the Shapes tool to create the symbols for each step in the process. You can use arrows, boxes, or other shapes to represent the steps.
4. Arrange the symbols in the swim lanes to represent the flow of the process.
5. Use the Text tool to add labels and descriptions to the symbols and swim lanes.

Method 2: Using Excel Templates

Another way to create a swim lane process map in Excel is to use a pre-built template. Microsoft offers a range of templates for process mapping, including swim lane templates.

1. Open Excel and navigate to the Templates section.
2. Search for "swim lane process map" or "process mapping" to find relevant templates.
3. Choose a template that suits your needs and click Download.
4. Customize the template by adding your process steps and swim lanes.
5. Use the Text tool to add labels and descriptions to the symbols and swim lanes.

Method 3: Using Excel Add-ins

Excel add-ins can also be used to create swim lane process maps. Add-ins like Lucidchart and SmartDraw offer a range of process mapping tools and templates.

1. Open Excel and navigate to the Add-ins section.
2. Search for process mapping add-ins like Lucidchart or SmartDraw.
3. Choose an add-in that suits your needs and click Install.
4. Use the add-in to create a swim lane process map.
5. Customize the map by adding your process steps and swim lanes.

Method 4: Using Excel VBA

For more advanced users, Excel VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) can be used to create swim lane process maps.

1. Open Excel and navigate to the Visual Basic Editor.
2. Create a new module and write VBA code to create a swim lane process map.
3. Use VBA to create the swim lanes and symbols for each step in the process.
4. Use VBA to arrange the symbols in the swim lanes to represent the flow of the process.
5. Use VBA to add labels and descriptions to the symbols and swim lanes.

Method 5: Using Excel Online Tools

Finally, Excel online tools like Process Map and Swim Lane Diagram can be used to create swim lane process maps.

1. Open Excel online and navigate to the Tools section.
2. Search for process mapping tools like Process Map and Swim Lane Diagram.
3. Choose a tool that suits your needs and click Create.
4. Use the tool to create a swim lane process map.
5. Customize the map by adding your process steps and swim lanes.

Gallery of Swim Lane Process Map Examples

Swim Lane Process Map Examples

We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive guide on how to create swim lane process maps in Excel. Whether you choose to use shapes and objects, templates, add-ins, VBA, or online tools, the key is to find a method that works for you and your team. By using swim lane process maps, you can improve communication, identify inefficiencies, and enhance overall productivity.

We encourage you to try out these methods and share your experiences with us. What method do you prefer? Do you have any tips or tricks for creating swim lane process maps in Excel? Let us know in the comments below!