Business Process

A business process is a defined series of activities or tasks that, when completed in a specific sequence, achieve a particular business objective. Every organization runs on business processes — from simple tasks like approving an expense report to complex operations like onboarding a new client or closing the monthly financial books.

Characteristics of a Business Process

A true business process has several defining characteristics:

• Defined start and end points: Every process has a trigger (what starts it) and an outcome (what it produces)
• Repeatable: The process is performed more than once, often routinely
• Sequential or parallel steps: Activities occur in a defined order, sometimes with steps happening simultaneously
• Cross-functional: Many processes span multiple roles, departments, or systems
• Measurable: The process produces outputs that can be evaluated for quality, speed, and efficiency

Types of Business Processes

Organizations typically categorize their processes into three types:

Core processes directly deliver value to customers. Examples include product development, order fulfillment, and customer service. These are the processes that the business exists to perform.

Support processes enable core processes to function. They include human resources, IT support, procurement, and facilities management. While they don't directly serve customers, the business couldn't operate without them.

Management processes govern how the organization operates. They include strategic planning, budgeting, performance management, and compliance oversight.

Documenting Business Processes

Undocumented business processes create risk. When processes exist only as tribal knowledge, they're performed inconsistently, they're difficult to improve, and they're vulnerable to personnel changes.

1. Process maps show the high-level flow of activities and decisions
2. SOPs provide step-by-step instructions for each process
3. Work instructions offer detailed guidance for complex individual tasks

Process Improvement

Once a business process is documented, it becomes possible to analyze and improve it. Common improvement methodologies include Lean (eliminating waste), Six Sigma (reducing variation), and BPM (Business Process Management). All of these approaches require documented processes as a starting point — you can't improve what you haven't defined.