Instructions for creating a turtle diagram a turtle diagram is a process improvement tool schematic visual representation of the key elements that make up a single process in short a turtle diagram is used to illustrate the 1 page plan for a single process including the resources needed to achieve the processs purpose. The turtle diagram is made up of 6 areas all surrounding the process which is considered the turtle body the 6 areas are inputs materials equipment what support processes procedures methods how outputs competence skills training whom and finally performance indicators results. Turtle diagrams can form a valuable link between the high level process landscape map of an organization example below and the process flow charts procedures work instructions sops etc the organization uses to detail how given tasks are to be completed. Turtle diagrams are an effective tool for businesses to utilize as they help management step back and review all processes these diagrams help both managers and employees understand the interrelated processes within an organization the turtle diagram can also identify gaps in the organizations structure