Information Flow Map

Trace where a piece of information is entered, copied, asked for and stored.

Subtract · AutomateT-06

The pattern it solves

The same information is typed, copied or requested more than once.

Signals you need it

Re-keying between systems. "Can you send me that again?" The same update sent by email, text and chat.

Use it when

The Touch Audit finds mechanical touches that move data rather than decide anything.

What it takes in

One kind of information (a new job, a customer order, a schedule change) and everyone who touches it.

What you end up with

A map of every place it enters, moves and lands, with each manual transfer marked.

The steps

1.Pick one information type.
2.Follow it from first capture to last use.
3.Mark every manual transfer and every duplicate channel.
4.For each mark, choose: remove the step, integrate the systems, or route it automatically.
5.Name the one place it should be entered (T-07).

How it returns time

Enter once, flow everywhere. Removes re-entry and the questions that come from information being in the wrong place.

What to measure

Manual transfers per week for that information type; minutes per transfer.

What to measure, before and after. Not what anyone achieved — there are no client results to report.

Where it comes from

Process mapping, a general operations practice.

What it fixes

The leaks this addresses