How To Series | #1 - How to Identify Bottlenecks Using Process Mapping

Uncover Hidden Roadblocks — Master the Art of Process Mapping.

Welcome to the unique weekly article for the Paid subscribers-only edition.

This is the #1 article of The How To Series.

Outlines and Key Takeaways

1. Why This Matters

2. What Is Process Mapping?

3. Step-by-Step: How to Use Process Mapping to Identify Bottlenecks

4. Applications by Business Size

5. Applications by Industry

6. Pro Tips from Lean Six Sigma

7. What’s Next?

1. Why This Matters

Operational inefficiencies are a silent but devastating threat to business performance.
According to a 2020 report by McKinsey & Company, poor operational practices—including delays, rework, miscommunication, and unnecessary complexity—can erode 20–30% of a company's annual revenue (McKinsey, 2020). These losses not only impact profitability but also weaken market position and customer loyalty.

Furthermore, IBM’s 2021 Global Operations Survey found that 79% of executives view operational complexity as a major barrier to scaling business efficiency (IBM, 2021). As companies grow, their internal processes often become fragmented, creating hidden bottlenecks that slow response times, increase costs, and reduce agility.

Without proactive intervention, these inefficiencies multiply:

• Delayed product launches

• Missed revenue opportunities

• Increased employee turnover (due to frustration and burnout)

• Deteriorating customer experience

Research from Bain & Company highlights that companies with streamlined operations are 1.5 times more likely to achieve above-average profitability than those struggling with process complexity (Bain & Company, 2019).

This makes early identification and elimination of bottlenecks a critical strategic priority.
Structured approaches like process mapping provide the visibility organizations need to diagnose workflow issues, optimize resource allocation, and create scalable systems for sustainable growth.

In a competitive, fast-changing market, operational excellence isn’t a bonus — it’s survival.