Get pasta problem with a spaghetti diagram

Last Updated on 13 September 2023

These map the movement in the current process, which is on a scale drawing of the work area. They are named ‘spaghetti diagram‘ as in complex operations (or at least, inefficient ones), they can look like a plate of spaghetti.

This can be used on any work area; offices, factories or even your kitchen. They are the reason that Six Sigma black belts often have pans, fridge, sink, utensils and cooker all within easy reach of each other.

This was my first view of Lean Six Sigma, and I was amazed as it almost doubled the output of the process that was being investigated. Because it can quickly show easy improvement, it can be very useful in carrying out a Kaizen Event.

Steps on using a spaghetti diagram to speed a process up:

1. Draw a scale map of your work area
2. Observe the person / people carrying out a full cycle of the operation
3. Time the process
4. Use a trundle wheel (my favorite), string, meter ruler etc. to measure the distance traveled.
5. Draw the path travelled including distances travelled on your scale map
6. Design a more efficient method with movement reduced / removed
7. Measure the distance involved in the improved process
8. Trial and time the new process.
9. If trial is successful, change your procedure to use the new process

Repeat if necessary, until no more improvements can be found