How to Document
a Process

Learning how to document a process is critical to running a business successfully. Creating a process documentation framework can help ensure the proper steps are followed when beginning a project. 

There are several steps involved with documenting a process. 

• Identify and name the process – what is it you’re trying to accomplish? 
• Determine the process scope and boundaries.
• Understand the efforts or materials you put into the process and what this will ultimately result in (the inputs and outputs).
• Organizing each step sequentially and describing who is involved. 
• Write down the process via text, flowchart, process documentation PDF, or other means.
• Review and update the document as needed to align with reality. 

It’s also important to adhere to process documentation best practices. These include making documentation accessible, keeping it up to date, and being clear and concise with your language. 

Your documentation should be easy to understand, leaving no room for confusion. By clearly outlining your process, you can keep everybody on the same page and prevent misalignment. 

Ultimately, however, process documentation varies by business and industry. No two companies have the exact same documentation needs. 

For example, a smaller business with fewer people involved in the process might be able to create less detailed documentation. On the other hand, large organizations with complex processes will likely need to document those processes in extensive detail.

Sitting down with your team and discussing your unique business needs is one of the best ways to create an effective process for whatever you’re hoping to achieve. Gathering input and addressing concerns is key to getting things off on the right foot. This will also give you an opportunity to lay the groundwork for future projects and endeavors.

How can you document business processes?

Documenting business processes is an important task that helps to ensure that processes are efficient, effective, and consistent. By creating clear and comprehensive documentation, you can improve communication, increase compliance, and reduce the risk of errors or inconsistencies. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to document business processes:

1. Identify the process: The first step in documenting a business process is to identify which process you want to document. Consider which processes are critical to the operation of your business or which processes are causing problems or inefficiencies.
2. Gather information: Once you have identified the process, gather as much information as possible about it. This may involve interviewing key stakeholders or team members, observing the process in action, or reviewing existing documentation.
3. Create a process roadmap or framework: Use the information you’ve gathered to visualize the process. This can be done using a variety of tools, such as flowcharts, swimlane diagrams, or process maps. The process map should show all of the steps involved in the process and any inputs, outputs, and decision points.
4. Write a process description: Once you have a process map, write a clear and concise description of the process, including all steps and any relevant information, such as inputs, outputs, and decision points. Use simple, easy-to-understand language and avoid jargon or acronyms that may not be familiar to all readers.
5. Review and test: Before finalizing the documentation, review it thoroughly and test the process to make sure it is working as expected. Make any necessary changes and updates to the documentation.

Creating a business process document PDF or process document template Word file is a great way to outline your process. This is crucial to keeping good records and defining a process that everyone can get on board with.

What are the main document process and procedures businesses use?

Understanding the “process document” meaning, as well as some key document processes and procedures, can be helpful when outlining your own business processes. 

Here’s a quick look at some of the main types of business process documentation:

• Process maps: These are visual diagrams that show the flow of a process from start to finish, including inputs, outputs, and decision points. They are useful for illustrating how different tasks and activities are connected and for identifying potential bottlenecks or inefficiencies. Flowcharts and swimlane diagrams are some examples of process maps.
• Standard operating procedures (SOPs): SOPs are detailed instructions on how to perform a specific task or process. They typically include step-by-step instructions and information on inputs, outputs, and relevant policies or procedures. SOPs are great for ensuring consistency and compliance and can be used as a training tool.
• Work instructions: Work instructions are detailed explanations of how to perform a specific task or activity, usually in a step-by-step format. These can be used to document the procedures for specific equipment, tools, or systems and may include information on safety precautions or troubleshooting.
• Checklists: Checklists are used to ensure that all steps in a process are completed correctly and in the correct order. They are useful for tasks that need to be completed on a regular basis, such as daily or weekly tasks.
• Policy and procedures: These types of documents contain high-level information about the overall approach and guidelines of the business. They provide a framework for employees and stakeholders to understand how the company operates and what is expected of them.

By studying the various types of process documentation, you can learn more about process documentation in general and why it’s essential to put your ideas, policies, and procedures down on paper. 

What are some process documentation examples?

Viewing process documentation examples is a great way to learn more about documenting processes and how to proceed for the best results. It can also be an excellent way to better understand the different types of process documentation. This can be helpful when outlining your own process and walking your team through the steps involved. 

For example, a retail store could use process maps to document the process of restocking shelves. The map would show the flow of goods from the warehouse to the store, including the steps for receiving shipments, unpacking and checking inventory, and stocking the shelves. This would help the store staff to understand the process, identify any inefficiencies, and make changes to improve the flow of goods.

In another example, a medical laboratory could use SOPs to document the process of preparing and analyzing samples. The SOP would include detailed instructions on how to properly handle and prepare samples and the protocols for running tests and interpreting results. This would ensure that all lab staff performs the procedures consistently and correctly.

A good example of how work instructions could be put to use would be in an example of an assembly line factory. This factory might use work instructions to document how to use a new piece of equipment. The instructions would include safety precautions and troubleshooting steps, thereby ensuring that all employees know how to use the equipment safely and efficiently.

These examples illustrate how various types of process documentation can help different businesses in different industries. While it may be tempting to jump right into a project, outlining some steps and procedures beforehand can help keep everyone aligned on common goals and objectives. 

What are some business process documentation examples?

There are many business process documentation examples you can study, each of which demonstrates the importance of outlining solid business processes. 

For example, a company might decide to document an upcoming project through a business process document PDF. For supplementation, they might also create a process document template Word file for help getting some basic ideas down.

Browsing business process document examples, case studies, and templates can be incredibly valuable when creating your own documentation. It can be beneficial for small businesses or those that otherwise lack the resources or experience to start from scratch. 

When possible, it’s best to focus on process document examples that pertain to your specific industry or job duties.

For example, if you’re responsible for training new employees, you might use training materials (i.e., presentations, videos, or interactive quizzes) to train employees on a new procedure or process. This would help ensure that everyone is on the same page and understands the changes. 

Likewise, if you work in auditing, you could use an audit trail to track changes made to a process and who made them. This would be especially useful in a regulated industry and would guarantee compliance with regulatory requirements.

At the end of the day, no matter your specific industry, it’s important to be able to create clear, efficient documents. By doing so, you can prevent confusion and promote alignment on key business objectives. 

Rossum’s document processing platform is designed to minimize the amount of time users spend manually processing documents. The platform is capable of automating complex intake and document prep, helping alleviate some of the processing burdens on users.

Platforms like Rossum can be extremely helpful to organizations as they document various business processes. Rather than having to create and process documents by hand, they can automate them with an advanced, AI-powered solution. This can help speed up the document creation process and help move things through the pipeline faster and more efficiently.