Process maps and the further extension of value stream maps are an extremely powerful way to visualize your process. I am a big advocate of creating process maps and value stream maps manually. When you do it manually, it establishes an environment where more participation is possible, which is critically important for the creation of said maps and the future improvements to be had.

There are times, however, when it is useful to create electronic maps for education, training, procedures, and standard work visuals. In this case, there are only a limited number of resources at your disposal. The options include everything from buying software like eVSM to using free online process mapping tool options.

A new web application called Diagram.ly allows you to draw any type of diagram and chart online without login or registration, free of charge. This online value stream mapping tool (now available at draw.io / diagrams.net) is a great free online process mapping tool that can also function as a diagram tool for value stream mapping.

Diagram.ly is offered by a UK-based company, JGraph, which develops and supports graph visualization software and web services. The web application is simple to use and neatly structured, making it easy to draw what you need rapidly. It uses a drag-and-drop interface to make diagrams using clip art and pre-drawn shapes. All diagrams can be saved to your computer in JPEG, XML, PNG, or SVG formats.

I talked to JGraph co-founder David Benson about adding a set of Lean icons to Diagram.ly so that it could create value stream maps, and here is the outcome.

This free online process mapping tool gives you a user-friendly way to map your processes, including making value stream maps from anywhere with internet access. I believe you will find a number of great opportunities to use this online value stream mapping tool to your advantage, whether you are creating flowcharts, value stream maps, or other diagrams.

This makes it one of the most flexible free process mapping software options available. Many users also refer to it simply as the draw.io value stream map creator, since draw.io/diagrams.net is now the platform’s main address.

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Summary Table – Mapping Tool Features