Process

Process
A process can be defined as a connected series of actions, activities, changes, etc. performed by agents with the intent of satisfying a purpose or achieving a goal.

A common misconception that people have about processes is that the processes are dependent on the tools. People from different quarters have put forth their concern related to the ‘dependency that process has on tools’ to me a number of times. Couple of them even argued to put forth their point. And this misconception existed even in the most experienced of the lots. On all these occasions it took quiet an effort from my side to make them understand that the processes are not dependent on the tools.

To put this misconception to rest I would repeat that Process is not dependent on tool. But on the contrary the tools are dependent on the processes. Tools acts as process enablers and they follow a certain defined process. A process can exist even without having a tool in place but a tool, whatever functionality it provides, will always be following a process.

Elements of a process:

• Process Agent: In order to deliver desired outputs reliably, process agents may include roles & responsibilities, tools, activities, procedures and work instruction.
• Process Enabler: Resources & capabilities required to perform the process.
• Process Control: Planning and regulating a process with the objective of performing the process in an effective and efficient way.

"What Is" And "What Is Not" A Process

Organizations do ‘things’ to achieve its objectives.

Example:

• Managing and handling IT support
• Handling procurement
• Designing new products and services
• Handling recruitment
  
• Others

‘Things’ are:

• Formed by logical and consistent set of organizational activities
• Focused on achieving a desired outcome
• Significantly large

Outcomes of the above example could be:

• Managing and ensuing that the issues/complaints are resolved within the defined time-lines (SLA) efficiently and cost effectively
• Getting the financial & technical details for an item required, identifying & finalizing the vendors, approval for procuring it, and finally procuring it from the selected vendor
• Identifying the new products and services for the market space, its key feature & customer requirements and designing the same
• Respond to the resource needs of the organization by identifying the candidates with right skill set, experience, capability and attitude

These ‘Things’ are processes.


Process is not

• Marketing and sales team
• Finance department
• HR department
• Procurement department
• Others

These are the organizational functions that contribute towards performing a process or an activity within a process.