Contents
- Definition of Business Process
- Types of Business Processes
- Structure of Business Process
- How to Properly Describe a Business Process
Definition of Business Process
A business process is a sequence of actions that is repeated multiple times with the goal of achieving a specific outcome. Within an online store, several key business processes can be identified, such as order processing, delivery organization, inventory management, and handling returns. Flowcharts are often used to visualize business processes, which can be created in specialized software or on paper using mind maps.
It is important to note that any business process can be broken down into smaller stages, known as subprocesses. For example, the order processing process may include separate actions such as assembling and packaging products. Each action has its consumer — this can be either an external client or an internal employee, such as an accountant calculating payroll.
Types of Business Processes
There are several categories of business processes, each of which plays its role in the overall structure of the business:
- Core Processes: These are key processes for which the business exists, such as manufacturing goods or providing services.
- Supporting Processes: They assist in product creation by providing additional functions, such as packaging goods.
- Auxiliary Processes: These processes support core processes, including maintenance of equipment.
- Enabling Processes: They create conditions for the successful execution of core processes, including personnel and financial support.
- Management Processes: These processes encompass management functions, such as planning and control.
- Development Processes: They focus on product improvement and increasing productivity, such as improving packaging or implementing new technologies.
Structure of Business Process
Each business process consists of several key components:
- Input: The initial data or raw materials needed to start the process.
- Resources: All necessary resources required to carry out the process.
- Management Influences: Methods and instructions that guide the execution of the process.
- Executors: Employees involved in the process.
- Owner: The person responsible for the process and the results of its execution.
- Output: The final result of the process work.
- Evaluation Criteria: Indicators that help determine the effectiveness of the process.
How to Properly Describe a Business Process
To successfully describe a business process, it is important to follow several recommendations. Start by defining the boundaries of the process, including inputs and outputs. Then clarify elements such as purpose, steps, and executors.
Break down the process into main stages, add decision points and other possible events. Specify the roles of participants, avoiding the use of specific names. It is also important to visualize the process using documentation, software, and databases to ensure complete understanding of the process by all participants.
When the description is complete, it should be concise and clear, reflecting every detail necessary for the successful operation of the business process. Use standard notations for modeling so that the information is accessible even to non-professionals.