Which tool is best for mapping the flow of information or product through office processes?

The most suitable tool for mapping the flow of information or product through office processes is a Swim Lane Diagram. This diagram distinctly delineates responsibilities and interactions among different departments or roles involved in a process. By organizing the flow into "lanes" that represent various stakeholders, it effectively clarifies who is responsible for each part of the process, making it ideal for understanding both the sequence of steps and the flow of communication or materials.

A SIPOC Diagram provides a high-level overview by identifying Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, and Customers, which is helpful for understanding the entire process context, but it does not detail the flow through different roles as effectively as a Swim Lane Diagram.

A Future State Value Stream Map focuses on the steps necessary to improve an existing process by visualizing the ideal process flow and is more centered on identifying areas for improvement than on illustrating current flows of information.

A Spaghetti Diagram visualizes the physical flow of materials to identify inefficiencies such as excessive movement or transport within a facility, but it does not specifically address office processes or responsibilities within those processes.

Thus, the Swim Lane Diagram is specifically designed to illustrate both the workflow and the roles involved, making it the most effective choice for mapping the flow of information or products through office processes