process

(noun)

A series of events to produce a result, especially as contrasted to product.

Related Terms

Examples of process in the following topics:

  • Processes

    • A process is defined as: (1) a series of progressive, interrelated steps or actions from which an end result is attained, or (2) a prescribed procedure or a method of conducting affairs.
    • Either way, processes form the belief systems, philosophies or thought patterns that constitute the work environments in which goods and services are manufactured (seen from this angle, a business process can also be referred to as a ‘business model' or ‘the way we do things around here').
    • Most practitioners agree that for any business process to function properly, total commitment from all involved is mandatory.
    • Success is also reliant upon a perfect fit between the process, its product, and the business's customers.

  • New product: the tangible rim on the wheel

    • Start by process mapping all of the organization's processes by creating a process log.Utilize a word processing software program which has auto shapes that features a "flowchart."
    • There are many books and publications about process mapping and there are multiple ways to process map.
    • Take the final list and divide it into two categories: repetitive processes and rare processes.
    • Rare processes occur infrequently.
    • Source: "Process Mapping Guide" text and "Process Mapping" Image reprinted with permission from Mentorography, Inc. © 2008.

  • Laying the groundwork

    • Don't worry if you or your employees have no experience putting together a process map.
    • Experienced practitioners suggest using post-it notes to start the process.
    • Displaying work processes on post-it notes and rearranging them on a big board makes it easy to move and add new information.
    • FIGURE 10-1 shows how a mapping process can start.

  • The Sales Process

    • A sales process is a systematic approach to selling a product or service.
    • A sales process is a systematic approach to selling a product or service.
    • Quality expert Joseph Juran observed, "There should be no reason our familiar principles of quality and process engineering would not work in the sales process. " A sales team's fundamental job is to move a greater number of larger deals through the sales process in less time.
    • The interface between the selling and buying processes has also been diagrammed.
    • This is where a good sales process mitigates risk for both buyer and seller.

  • Process decisions

    • There are two basic choices for organizing the workplace to produce goods and services: (1) intermittent processes, and (2) repetitive processes.
    • Efficiency is a key goal in repetitive process environments.
    • A paper mill is a good example of a repetitive process.
    • A compromise solution is the cellular process layout that captures the advantages of both intermittent and repetitive processes.
    • A cellular process arranges dissimilar machines and equipment together in a line that is dedicated to producing a specific family of products that have similar processing requirements.

  • Data and Information

    • Data consists of nothing but facts, which can be manipulated to make it useful; the analytical process turns the data into information.
    • The process of manipulating facts to information is referred to as "processing. " In order to be processed by a computer, data needs to first be converted into a machine readable format.
    • Data processing may involve various processes, including:
    • Data processing may or may not be distinguishable from data conversion, which involves changing data into another format, and does not involve any data manipulation.
    • During processing, raw data is used as an input to produce information as an output, typically in the form of reports and other analytical tools.

  • Purchasing

    • Purchasing is the formal process of buying goods and services.
    • The purchasing process can vary from one organization to another but usually involves certain key elements.
    • This involves three departments in the organization, each of which completes a different part of the acquisition process.
    • The purchasing process typically starts with a demand or specific requirements for a physical part (inventory) or a service.
    • Model of the acquisition process for major systems in industry and defense: The process is defined by a series of phases, during which technology is defined and matured into viable concepts, which are subsequently developed and prepared for production.

  • Controlling Activities

    • Controlling is a core managerial function defined by observing and optimizing operational processes.
    • The process of control can usually be divided into the following four components:
    • The process to be controlled - This is simply the aspect (or entirety) of a process being measured.
    • The above example relates primarily to an operational process.
    • Optimizing operational processes is often done at the mid-managerial level.

  • A Study of Process

    • In other words, 3M enjoys a commanding competitive advantage by controlling the transformation processes that turn raw material inputs into the high value-added Magic Tape product.
    • An opposite example of the strategic implications of the input/output transformation process is 3M's decision in the 1980s to stop manufacturing VHS tape for video players and recorders.
    • Figure 1 summarizes the transformation process.
    • In other words, 3M enjoys a commanding competitive advantage by controlling the transformation processes that turn raw material inputs into the high value-added Magic Tape product.
    • An opposite example of the strategic implications of the input/output transformation process is 3M's decision in the 1980s to stop manufacturing VHS tape for video players and recorders.

  • Offshoring

    • Offshoring entails a company moving a business process from one country to another.
    • "Offshoring" is a company's relocation of a business process from one country to another.
    • This typically involves an operational process, such as manufacturing, or a supporting process, such as accounting.
    • Related terms include "nearshoring," "inshoring" and "bestshoring," otherwise know as "rightshoring. " Nearshoring is the relocation of business processes to (typically) lower cost foreign locations that are still within close geographical proximity (for example, shifting United States-based business processes to Canada/Latin America).
    • Business process outsourcing (BPO) refers to outsourcing arrangements when entire business functions (such as Finance & Accounting and Customer Service) are outsourced.