What does swim lanes help in distinguishing?

Swim lanes serve a significant role in process mapping by visually distinguishing roles or responsibilities within a workflow. In a swim lane diagram, each lane represents a different actor or role involved in the process, which makes it clear who is responsible for each part of the process. This clarity helps to eliminate confusion about tasks and accountability, allowing teams to see how various roles interact and contribute to the overall workflow. By organizing processes this way, it enhances communication among stakeholders and ensures that everyone understands their specific responsibilities within the process. This is particularly beneficial in complex processes involving multiple departments or roles, as it streamlines both the understanding and execution of tasks assigned to each role.