Process Analysis

Process analysis is the discipline of understanding business processes.

It involves an understanding of business processes, including the efficiency and effectiveness of business processes. The purpose and activities of process analysis are explored. A decomposition of process components and attributes, analytical techniques, and process patterns are also covered. The use of process models and other process documentation to validate and understand both current and future state processes is explored. A variety of types, tools and techniques are included within this Knowledge Area.

---

Key Aspects of Process Analysis

1. Efficiency and Effectiveness Assessment:
   • A fundamental aspect of process analysis is the assessment of the efficiency and effectiveness of business processes. This involves evaluating how well processes achieve their objectives and contribute to overall business goals.
2. Decomposition of Process Components:
   • Process analysis involves breaking down complex processes into their constituent components. This allows for a detailed examination of each element and its role in the overall process.
3. Exploration of Purpose and Activities:
   • Understanding the purpose and activities embedded in each process is central to process analysis. This includes delving into the rationale behind each step and the activities performed.
4. Analytical Techniques Application:
   • Various analytical techniques are employed in process analysis. These techniques aid in assessing and optimizing processes, uncovering inefficiencies, and identifying opportunities for improvement.
5. Exploration of Process Patterns:
   • Involves identifying recurring patterns within processes. Recognizing these patterns enables organizations to streamline processes and implement consistent practices.

Use of Process Models and Documentation

1. Validation of Current State Processes:
   • Process models and other documentation serve as valuable tools for validating current state processes. This involves ensuring that the documented processes accurately represent the reality of how work is done.
2. Understanding Future State Processes:
   • It extends to understanding and envisioning future state processes. This involves using models and documentation to depict how processes can be optimized and adapted to meet changing business needs.

Types, Tools, and Techniques

1. Variety of Types:
   • This process encompasses a variety of types, addressing different dimensions and aspects of business processes. This diversity allows organizations to employ approaches that align with their specific needs and objectives.
2. Tools and Techniques:
   • A plethora of tools and techniques are available within the realm of process analysis. These tools aid in data collection, visualization, simulation, and other analytical activities, contributing to a thorough understanding of processes.

In conclusion, process analysis is a multifaceted discipline essential for gaining a profound understanding of business processes. By assessing efficiency, exploring purposes and activities, decomposing components, and utilizing a variety of tools and techniques, organizations can enhance their processes, drive efficiencies, and align their operations with overarching business goals.

Further resources of Process Analysis: 

• Read our process improvement plan
• Business Process Management Common Body of Knowledge (BPM CBOK, 2009), The Association of Business Process Management Professionals

Related Links:

• Five Whys
• Simplified Guide to Incident Root Cause Analysis
• Gluu listed in Gartner Market Guide for Enterprise Business Process Analysis Tools
• Value Stream Mapping
• BPMN – Business Process Model Notation

---

Explore more about different process improvement terms in our BPM Glossary.