A service blueprint is a map or flowchart (called a process chart in manufacturing) of all
transactions constituting the service delivery process [Shostack, 1984: 134; Fitzsimmons and
Fitzsimmons, 2001]. It is a flow chart that isolates potential fail points in a service process
[Shostack, 1984: 134]. Haksever et al. [2000] further explains that it is a visualization of the
designer’s concept of the product/process together with its dimensions and tolerances.
Service blueprint is a useful tool not only for the operations manager but for the
marketing manager as well [Hoffman and Bateson, 1997]. It enables the marketing manager
to understand which parts in the operating system are visible to the consumer---the
fundamental building blocks of consumer perceptions. The visible part of the operations
process, with which the consumer interacts, must be supported by the invisible process
[Hoffman and Nateson, 1997].