What does a lane in a swim lane refer to?

A lane in a swim lane diagram is used to represent performers or combinations of performers involved in a business process. Swim lane diagrams are a type of flowchart that visually distinguish the responsibilities of various participants in a process. Each lane corresponds to a specific performer—this could be an individual, a team, or a department—clearly delineating who is responsible for what part of the process. This structure helps to clarify roles and responsibilities, making it easier to understand how tasks are divided among different participants.

Understanding the concept of lanes is fundamental in process mapping and modeling, as it enables teams to identify interactions between different roles and detect possible inefficiencies or areas for improvement in process execution. The distinction of functions across lanes enhances collaborative efforts and accountability within the process.