Process Analysis

Why

To gain an understanding of every step or stage within a process. It serves as a tool for understanding, improving, executing and/or managing a process.

How

Go through a process and break it down into logical stages. Describe each stage and define what is needed to execute that stage. Visualize the process and discover how the stages link together. Linkages can be formed by flows of goods and information.

Ingredients

• Access to process actors and users.

• Access to the process, to allow observation (work along or follow a product).

• A clear view of what knowledge should be gained.

• Tools like Value Stream Mapping and Data Flow Diagrams.

Practice

Process analysis is a common tool for problem-solving activities in companies, for example to eliminate waste, and/or make it easier to use physical or software products.