0101 What is ProcessStep

 

ProcessStep Process Modeling Framework (ProcessStep) is the methodology that defines and documents business Processes and drives out areas for improvement or opportunities to introduce best practices.  

Click here to download an overview of the ProcessStep Process Modeling Framework.

The methodology results in detailed Process information being extracted from, and developed interactively with Role Players.  Information is recorded and presented in a User-friendly format that provides detailed Process description.

The ProcessStep Methodology is documented as the ProcessStep Body of Information (PBI) which contains:

  • A Process Map showing Step by Step what to do to define and document business Processes that will drive out areas for performance improvement.

  • Word documents that details how each Step is to be performed (Core Information)

  • Additional information in “Know More” word format, give more in depth information on specific aspects which are referenced in the Step by Step “how to” information.

  • Templates that will enable the User to execute Steps effectively.

  • Examples to illustrate the use of Templates.

How Does ProcessStep fit into Business Process Management?

Click here to find out!

Writing Style

Many words in the ProcessStep Body of Information (PBI) have capital letters. The liberal use of capital letters is intentional and for added emphasis of ProcessStep elements and vocabulary.

The PBI is available in two suites:

  • Basic (Blue): Produces Step by Step information on Process Mapping in a Process flow, depicting the activities that are needed.  ProcessStep Blue is the quick reference to Process Mapping and comprises a Process flow in visual format.

  • ProcessStep Gold Detail (Gold):  Provides the same Step by Step information than the Blue option, but is enhanced by detailed Core Information, Know More, Templates and Examples for each of the Steps.

Information

Open Content (ProcessStep Blue)

Detail (ProcessStep Gold - license required)

INTRODUCTION: What ProcessStep is, How to use ProcessStep and Benefits of using ProcessStep

ProcessStep Body of Information (PBI) CONSTRUCTION: The PBI and how to build your PBI File

  

PBI: Process Map showing Step by Step what to do to define and document business Processes that will drive out areas for performance improvement

PBI: ProcessStep Words and Icons that explains ProcessStep Terminology and provides a set of Icons to use.

PBI: Detailed information that shows how to execute each ProcessStep Step

  

PBI: Know More information providing more in depth information on specific aspects which are referenced in the Step by Step "how to" information

  

PBI: Templates that will enable the User to execute Steps effectively

  

PBI: Examples to illustrate the use of Templates

  

 ProcessStep

Utilizes interactive workshops that extract information from Process Role Players (operators) through a forum for share & challenge, evaluation and improved or best practice development opportunities.

Structures the data into easy to apply ”what to do” Process maps.

Details the “how to” of Processes in easy-reference MS Word format.

Defines roles and escalations to higher levels of management.

Locates and positions Risk, Controls and areas of Process breakdown.

Identifies areas of improvement and defines and positions Performance Management and the metrics with which to measure Performance.

Defines, schedules and provide “owners” for Change Management.

ProcessStep is the tool with which to:

  • Implement a Process documentation Project.

  • Document existing Processes.

  • Develop (new) Processes that should achieve specific Outcomes.

  • Clarify roles where many Role Players (for example internal and external Role Players) contribute to a Process.

  • Review roles in an Entity that is embarking on a structured organisational development program.

  • Identify Process Risk Areas (Risks and Burning Points) and manage those.

  • Improve Process and Outcomes Performance.

  • Create, improve and/or maintain Processes as part of Change Management in any environment where people perform activities in order to achieve an Outcome. 

  • Define Role Player workload as part of Organizational Structuring.

  • Apply Process Management since ProcessStep:

    • Assigns Business Process Ownership.

    • Facilitates training in the Process Discipline.

    • Ensures that Senior Management is engaged.

    • Identifies Process Visionaries and turns ideas into Steps.

    • Establishes multiple levels of Process Governance.

ProcessStep provides for a phased implementation and the ProcessStep Body of Information is structured as shown below.  The PBI will be made available in a number of releases, each comprising information that will enable the User to apply ProcessStep in “stand-alone units”, in other words, each release will contain information that can be used as a self-contained Body of Information or each release can be added to previous releases, building onto previous information.

The first release of PBI focuses on the:

  • Process Documentation and Improvement Phase, which consists of the following stages: 

The Assessment Stage where the User assesses what his or her requirement is and in what detail he or she requires ProcessStep to provide information.

The Define, Plan and Engage Stage guides the User through the Steps to define the ProcessStep project, Planning the project and engaging with the Client.

The Process Map Stage where Processes are identified and positioned in context of the Client Entity, and each Process, in order of priority, is defined (if it is a new Process) or recorded “as-is” (if it is a current Process) in a Step by Step Process Map of what needs to be done to achieve the desired Outcome.   Through interactive Workshops, each Process is taken through a business transformation to become an improved or best Practice Process.  Implementation is driven by Action Lists which is agreed to and assigned to specific Role Players in the Work-sessions.

Future releases of ProcessStep include the following:

The Book Write Stage where the Process Map, describing what to do, is further detailed in Step by Step how to information.

The Management Application Stage where the Process Map forms the basis for specific business improvement initiatives and transformation.

The WorkBook Stage which provides for a template that tracks each Step in a Process in instances where Processes require recorded progress tracking and/or audit trails.

  • Testing Phase where the Process Maps and Books (if relevant) and Workbooks (if relevant) and business transformation is tested and updated as needed in preparation for implementation.

  • Implementation Phase where the ProcessStep Team takes on a supporting role, the nature of which is defined by the Project Scope to monitor that implementation aligns with what was agreed to in the previous Phases and to make changes as needed.

  • Evaluation Phase which ensures that work that is or has been implemented is continuously evaluated and positioned against the Entity Strategy and targeted Performance.

  • Vision Revisit and Alignment Phase where the Entity’s vision is re-stated and future changes that are needed are planned for.  This “kick-starts” the next ProcessStep cycle, starting with Phase 1 again.

For the entire PBI, and in a typical application of ProcessStep, the level of effort during the Project from the ProcessStep Team in relation to the day to day business operations of the Client can be illustrated as follows:

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