Which statement best describes a process map?

Which statement best describes a process map?

• A. It shows the relationship between two variables.
• B. It shows the inputs, outputs, and sequence of steps, including decision points.
• C. It graphs the distribution of a variable.
• D. It measures process capability.

Answer: (B)

A process map shows how work flows through a process by detailing the sequence of steps, the inputs that feed each step, the outputs produced, and the decision points that create different paths. This visual layout helps you see exactly how materials and information move from start to finish, where decisions determine which path is taken, and where potential bottlenecks or non-value-added steps may exist. The other ideas describe different kinds of analysis: relationships between two variables are about how one quantity relates to another, distribution of a variable focuses on its spread or frequency, and process capability measures assess how well the process meets specifications. A process map explicitly captures the flow, inputs, outputs, and decision points, making it the best description.

A process map shows how work flows through a process by detailing the sequence of steps, the inputs that feed each step, the outputs produced, and the decision points that create different paths. This visual layout helps you see exactly how materials and information move from start to finish, where decisions determine which path is taken, and where potential bottlenecks or non-value-added steps may exist. The other ideas describe different kinds of analysis: relationships between two variables are about how one quantity relates to another, distribution of a variable focuses on its spread or frequency, and process capability measures assess how well the process meets specifications. A process map explicitly captures the flow, inputs, outputs, and decision points, making it the best description.