Mapping the Problem

It is almost always worth trying to draw a diagram of your problem. A visual representation can often uncover “hidden” aspects that are often missed or misunderstood. As well as providing a mechanism to get to the heart of the problem it can also be a good way to identify solutions.

There are many different ways to map the problem. Promax focuses on “Functions” because we can use systematic tools later on in the process to analyse the functions and generate ideas on how to solve the problem. Other techniques for mapping rely on trial and error for solving problems, which is less efficient.

The process is quite simple. First identify all the elements and components of the problem. The components within this “system” are then linked to reflect the interactions occurring. The function is then written alongside the link.

There is therefore always three parts to any link – the Subject, the Action being carried out and the Object. Actions are always verbs.

Different colours are often used to represent the different components of the problem. In the example, drawn in Promax, the boxes are either items (grey), inputs (black) or objectives (green). Promax has seven different line types of which the following are shown; dependency (black arrow), useful (green arrow), insufficient (dashed green arrow), wasteful (red arrow) and excessive (double green arrow).

By colour coding in this way it is easier to hone in on where the problem lies. 

There are other types of mapping commonly used including;
* Value Stream Mapping (VSM)
* Process Flow Diagrams (PFD)
* Su-Field Analysis (Su-F)
* Southbeach Notation
* Systems Dynamics (SD)
* Simulation Modelling

They all have a similar objective – to explain pictorially how the different items within the system interact with each other. Sometimes the information is used to calculate time, quantities and volumes within the system. They vary somewhat in what is represented and how they are represented and are often used by different groups of professionals depending on their background and training.

Value Stream Mapping (VSM) is used in Lean Six Sigma. It differs from functional mapping in that the function and the item are listed in the same box. Arrows are used purely to indicate the movement from one box to another.

Process Flow Diagrams (PFD), often called flowsheets, are used by chemical and process engineers. These list the main components of a systems. Product Flow Diagrams are also called PFD’s and are mostly used by Project Managers to illustrate how the different products of a project are related.

Su-Field Analysis (Su-F) is used by Triz practitioners.

Southbeach Notation is a nomenclature for most types of modelling using colours and shapes to express some of the Triz terms.

Systems Dynamics (SD) is used by social scientists and often has a calculation component included within it. Unlike spread sheets you can model "circular arguments" where things in the systems can continually increase.

Simulation Modelling is used by operational research professionals on specific problem types. It is rarely purely a visual representation but the components and relationships between them is written in computer code with the aim of carrying calculations on the whole system such as throughput.