What is a best practice when mapping processes as a business analyst?

Validating maps is a critical best practice when mapping processes as a business analyst because it ensures that the maps accurately represent the business processes and can be reliably used for analysis and decision-making. This step involves reviewing the maps with stakeholders to confirm that they reflect the actual processes and that all relevant details are captured correctly.

Validation helps identify any discrepancies between the mapped processes and real-world operations before further analysis or implementation occurs. It fosters communication among stakeholders, enhances understanding of the processes, and ensures that the documentation aligns with the business needs. This step significantly reduces the risk of errors and misunderstandings that could lead to ineffective solutions or wasted resources.

In comparison, focusing solely on future state maps could neglect the importance of understanding current processes. Reducing the number of maps created may oversimplify complex processes, and prioritizing mapping software purchases does not directly address the accuracy and relevance of the maps themselves. Thus, validation stands out as an essential practice for ensuring effective process mapping.