However, this method requires heavy customization work and can prove quite time-consuming. If Microsoft Excel is the tool you’ve chosen to create a basic swimlane diagram, you can do this by using the Insert > Shape option to visually represent actions in a table. Swimlane diagrams group process steps into parallel rows or columns to show how they are assigned to specific step owners. If the process requires the collaboration of multiple departments or teams, the chart will get complex and you’ll need to clarify who does what with the help of a swimlane diagram, also known as a cross-functional flowchart. Flowcharts help you visualize and understand processes.