What is it ?
Process analysis is a technique that allows a clear understanding of a company’s business processes to be gained.
- There are several key steps to process analysis :
- Process Mapping the current as is process, by drawing the flow of the process through the organisation
- Analysing the documented process. This involves gathering more detailed information about each part of the process that has been documented. Typically this involves measuring task times, volumes and identifying delays and bottlenecks.
- Production of an agreed baseline analysis of the current situation.This will include any savings, benefits and changes needed to improve the process.
Once the baselining has been completed, the processes can be redesigned or in some cases eliminated altogether.
How/Where is it used ?
Process analysis is one of the most important techniques/tools available to an organisation. It can provide the starting point for any business improvement project, and should always precede any systems implementation. Any business wanting to make critical changes by introducing new systems should use process analysis to instigate these changes. Once the project has been agreed it is the starting point for process redesign.
Advantages/Disadvantages of its use
Process analysis provides an opportunity to produce a detailed and accurate picture of an existing process, highlighting the issues and problems. Process redesign allows for a new, improved process to be built. It is a vital part of any new systems implementation and provides the foundation for building a successful business. Care should be taken to ensure that the analysis does not take a disproportionate amount of time for the benefits which may be gained. Any project involving use of the technique needs to be closely monitored and controlled to ensure the business benefits are delivered.
