Process Documentation – An Introduction

Processes can be found in all spheres of life including computing, product manufacturing, and businesses, or even in daily chores such as preparing a meal, or parallel parking your car. A process involves a series of steps or actions that must be followed consistently to achieve a specific result. As your business expands, and your staff and requirements are growing, managing it efficiently becomes harder without well-defined processes and workflows. 

Think of your favorite fast-food chain – you can visit any of its locations in the country, order your favorite item, and expect it to taste the same. Following a standard process and using the same standard tools and resources are key to achieving that. Similarly, for repetitive tasks in your organization, defining a standard method to complete each task ensures consistent results always.  

In this series of blogs, you will learn the benefits of documenting processes and why process documentation is a key step in your journey to standardization and improved operational efficiency.  

Here is a list of some commonly used process documents: 

• Policies  
• Procedures 
• Flowcharts 
• Document Maps 
• Quick Reference Guides 
• Training Guides 
• Checklists  
• HR-related Documents 

Now, let’s take a look at the definition for a process document and a diagrammatic representation of a process. 

What is a process document? 

A process document is a reference guide on how to do a specific process. It is an internal document that 

• defines a process,  
• identifies the resources or materials required, 
• organizes the various tasks of the process in the required sequence, 
• and states the outcome or the expected end result of a completed process.  

Are you wondering if your business needs process documentation? Be sure to read my next blog on The Importance of Documenting Key Business Processes. 

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See below to access all of the blogs in this series: 

1. Process Documentation -  an introduction
2. The importance of documenting key processes
3. Benefits of process documentation
4. Understanding the 3 Ps
5. What is a policy?
6. What is a process?
7. What is a procedure?
8. How to design an effective process workflow
9. How to implement your process workflow
10. Quick steps for creating process documentation

About the Author

Technical Writer and Editor<br><br>Surya has been writing and editing technical content for over two decades in multiple industries. How do you transform complex technical content into an easy-to-understand document? Ask Surya - technical writing is her passion! She has been with ASCENT since 2018. She holds a master’s degree in English Literature, and a diploma in Journalism, and is a certified Technical Writer.

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