processdocuments

Process documents, sometimes referred to as process documentation, are formal records that describe how work is performed within an organization. They capture the steps, inputs, outputs, roles, and controls that define a business process. The goal is to standardize operations, support training, enable auditing, and provide a basis for process improvement.

Typical process documents include process maps and flowcharts, standard operating procedures, work instructions, policy documents, process specifications, checklists, and forms. Most process documents include objective, scope, roles, inputs and outputs, step-by-step actions, controls and decision points, performance metrics, references, and revision history.

They are usually created through a governance process, reviewed and approved, published, distributed, and periodically reviewed for currency; version control and archival are important. Common standards and frameworks include ISO 9001 quality management, BPMN for process diagrams, ITIL for services, and CMMI for process improvement.

Benefits include consistency, compliance, training efficiency, and audit readiness; challenges include keeping documents up to date, ensuring accessibility, and avoiding over-documentation. Effective process documentation aligns with organizational goals and integrates with process improvement initiatives such as lean and Six Sigma.