What makes a good business process

What makes a good business process #

1. Good business processes are documented #

Yes, the hard point right at the beginning. Because what is not documented is not a business process.

What the reality often looks like:

For most, documentation is a real horror that they prefer to avoid. So it is not surprising that:

• no documentation exists at all.
• something is presented here and there, but really only because one has to (keyword: quality management).
• one would like to and recognizes the sense, but the wrong tools & methods and nothing of it is used.

No matter how, one gives away tremendous potential!

Characteristics of business processes

• Business processes are documented and / or visualized.
• map top-down different perspectives, from holistic overviews to individual process and work descriptions.
• are simple and understandable & usable for everyone.

This gives you the following advantages & benefits:

✅ Documented processes ensure the ability of employees and managers to act.

✅ Knowledge is secured; even if employees are absent in the short or long term, the information is transparent and available

✅ Processes are repeatable and scalable for secure healthy growth

✅ A clear common language ensures that everyone has the same understanding; departments among themselves, departments & IT, management & personnel

✅ Clarity about the processes in the company creates the basis for control as well as for informed and profitable decisions

2. Good business processes are standardized #

Creating order is one thing. Doing it sustainably is the other.

What the reality often looks like:

Many roads lead to Rome. Employees are similarly resourceful when it comes to accomplishing their tasks. In many companies, this leads to the fact that

• everyone does what they want or how they want it.
• there are umpteen different processes and / or people responsible for the same activities.

The number of templates, tools, or Excel spreadsheets used becomes unmanageable. There is always chaos somewhere. Either way, you are giving away tremendous potential!

Characteristics of business processes:

• Processes run harmoniously and there are no redundancies.
• There are clear rules and specifications; nothing is left to chance.
• Tools, techniques, and methods are consistent and used equally.

This results in the following advantages & benefits:

✅ Effective and efficient work.

✅ Order and overview in all areas

✅ Clear requirements for the competencies of those involved.

3. Good business processes are optimized #

You can always do better. Guaranteed.

What the reality often looks like:

• Many companies are doing well. Somehow everything is running smoothly. So there's no reason to change. Sometimes there is simply not enough time to go one step further in addition to the hectic day-to-day business. In many companies, this leads to the fact that

• you do things the way you've always done them.

• weak points & potentials are not recognized at all and mistakes & problems are hushed up.

• if symptoms are fought at all, but not the causes.

• one prefers to remain at a standstill and stay on safe familiar terrain or.

• one is even convinced that change is not needed at all.

Either way, you are giving away tremendous potential!

Characteristics of business processes:

• Weaknesses & wastes are eliminated and errors are eliminated.
• Processes and their boundaries are clearly defined.
• Interfaces to other processes and teams are reduced to a minimum.
• Too frequent switching between executing employees and / or systems is avoided.
• Manual activities are optimally supported by IT solutions.
• Employees can focus on the core of the work where they can deliver the greatest added value.

This results in the following advantages & benefits: ✅ Effective and efficient work

✅ Costs & times are reduced, thus increasing profitability / profit

✅ The quality of the work and the work results increases and thus the satisfaction of customers and employees

✅ Modern work fit for the future

✅ Stability for the company and thus flexibility in the face of changes and new challenges

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