

start/endpoint, a decision, or an activity. The shapes in a swimlane diagram specify certain things - i.e. Within these lanes are shapes and text that visually show what task should be performed by which department so a process can be started and completed. To expand, a swimlane diagram is usually composed of several lanes - like swimming pool lanes - and each lane is dedicated to a department (e.g. In layman’s terms, a swimlane diagram is a flowchart that states who does what and when in a specific business process and/or workflow. Now, let’s dive into the rest of the post - the water’s fine! What is a swimlane diagram? Image Source Use FAT FINGER to complete multi-departmental processes without chaos & confusion.The cons of swimlane diagrams versus BPM alternatives.How to create a swimlane diagram (& best practices).A quick history lesson on how the swimlane diagram originated.Just read through the following sections to become a swimlane expert: In this FAT FINGER post, I’ll define what a swimlane diagram actually is, its history, explain how you can create a swimlane diagram, and go over its pros and cons. Because, when others are in your lane when they shouldn’t be, a simple job becomes 10x harder. In a business context, this is exactly what happens when people in an organization don’t know who’s doing what, when, why, and, most importantly, how. It’s bedlam: water is splashing everywhere, flailing limbs are bumping into other flailing limbs, and there’s the potential for what should be a fairly easy process to go horribly wrong. To add extra chaos and confusion, Katie Ledecky, another pro, does the same. Within seconds - and seemingly out of nowhere - Michael Phelps, arguably the best competitive swimmer in the world, jumps in and starts swimming in your designated lane. With your trusty swimming cap and goggles on, you take a deep breath, dive in, and begin your first lap with a breaststroke.
