Process

More Than Bits of Paper

Processes and procedures are both critical elements of business operations. While they are related, there is a distinct difference between the two.

What is a process?

A process is a series of steps or activities that taken together achieve a specific goal and then replicated as needed. One example is where a customer service process involves steps for responding to customer inquiries, addressing complaints, and the appropriate follow-up support. The goal of the process is to ensure consistent and effective customer service.

What is a procedure?

A procedure, on the other hand, is a specific set of instructions for carrying out a particular task. Procedures are typically more detailed and specific than processes and designed to ensure that tasks consistently meet established guidelines. For example, a procedure for processing customer refunds may include specific steps for verifying the refund request, obtaining approval from a supervisor, etc. before issuing the refund.

So, processes are broader in scope and involve a series of steps or activities that achieve a goal, while procedures give more specific instructions for carrying out a particular task within a process.

Process is more than plans…

Technology to automate?

Technology can automate repetitive tasks within processes and procedures, freeing up time for employees to focus on more important tasks. For example, business process automation software can remove the burden of remembering how far a procedure has progressed, leaving your employees to handle more complex issues.

You can use technology to collect and analyse data on processes and procedures, identifying areas for improvement. For example, tracking customer service response times can pinpoint where there is a problem.

Technology, when used correctly, can provide training and education to employees, ensuring that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out processes and procedures effectively. For example, e-learning platforms can provide employees with access to training and education materials from anywhere.

Productivity is more than process…

The need for process training

By providing training and education on technology and processes, you can have the best of all possible worlds. Technology can help businesses improve processes and procedures by automating tasks, analysing data, facilitating communication, enabling remote working, and providing training and education. Thus, ensuring employees have the skills to make it all happen.

Having employees with the right skills is crucial for the efficient and effective utilization of processes and procedures. Here are some ways in which having the right skills can impact the success of processes and procedures:

Employees with the right skills can:

  • Carry out tasks more efficiently, reducing the time and resources required for processes and procedures.

  • Carry out tasks more effectively, ensuring the completion to a high standard of the processes and procedures, and with the minimum of time and effort.

  • Bring innovative ideas and approaches to processes and procedures, leading to innovation and continuous improvement. Which, in turn, makes them more productive and therefore, your business more profitable.

  • Adapt to changes in processes and procedures, ensuring that the business can remain competitive in a rapidly changing environment.

  • Collaborate effectively with other team members and departments, improving communication and coordination within the business. This might be through direct communication. through software or directly in the automation of the process.

Skills are critical to success?

Having employees with the right skills is critical for the success of processes and procedures. It can lead to increased efficiency and effectiveness, innovation, adaptability, and collaboration. As such, businesses should invest in training and development programs to ensure that employees have the skills necessary to perform their roles effectively and contribute to the success of the business.

Working with DVANA enables you to gain the maximum benefit from the processes and procedures you already have. If you don’t have the processes that you need and feel you require assistance in creating them prior to automation, then this how we create your business magic.

Your requirements

To discuss your specific requirements and to see how DVANA can help you, please call 0333 006 3800 or contact us now.