The Process of Creating Processes
Having a streamlined and efficient process is as crucial as having a great product or service.
But what does it mean to 'dial in' on your processes, and how do you actually achieve that?
Let's dive into the philosophy of business processes, drawing parallels from everyday activities like baking a cake, to complex operations in service-based companies.
Understanding the Basics of a Business Process
The Concept:
Just like a manufacturing line, where multiple inputs coalesce to produce a consistent and scalable output, a business process aims to achieve similar consistency and scalability in services. But understanding and implementing these processes can often be a challenge.
Why It’s Important:
Without a well-defined process, delivering consistent quality in services can be as difficult as baking a perfect cake without a recipe.
The Recipe for Success: Business Processes Explained
Analogies from the Kitchen:
Think about baking a cake. You start with a vision of what it will look and taste like. To achieve this, you need high quality ingredients, measured correctly, the knowledge of exactly when to put them into the mixture, what temperature the oven should be, how to check if it is done....you get it.
This is where your recipe – a set of processes – comes into play.
Applying It to Business:
Consider a service like an HVAC installation. This process involves multiple departments – sales, coordination, customer service, dispatch, suppliers, etc.
A bunch of cooks in the kitchen, all with their own ingredients, needing to know exactly how much to put in and when.
No wonder the cake doesn't taste great everytime.
Challenges in Business Processes
Coordination and Communication:
The key challenge is ensuring that everyone knows their role. With multiple 'cooks' (departments), there’s a need for clear communication and understanding of who does what, when, and how.
Adapting to Change:
Businesses, like recipes, can change. New employees (or 'cooks') join the team, requiring the process to be adaptable and easily understandable.
The Solution: Swim Lane Charts
Visualizing with Swim Lane Charts:
A swim lane chart is an excellent tool for visualizing processes. It clearly delineates who is responsible for what, helping to avoid confusion and overlap.
Why Custom Processes Matter:
You can't simply buy a one-size-fits-all process. Your business is unique, and so should be your processes. Tailoring them to fit your specific needs is crucial.
Continual Refinement and Improvement
Just like adjusting a recipe, business processes require continual refinement.
They are not static; they evolve with your business.
Keep your processes visible, like the chart printed and posted in the warehouse, and be ready to adjust them as your business grows and changes.
Remember, the secret ingredient in both baking and business is not just following the recipe, but understanding and mastering it.