Process
Anatomy

The first step to examining the anatomy of a Process is to first define it:

A Process is a function that receives information and physical resources, utilizes tools to perform a sequence of actions, and then outputs new information and/or modified physical items.

A Process can be simplistically viewed as a box where things flow in from the outside, something happens on the inside, and new things flow back out. This is true regardless of the function that the Process completes. Even brushing your teeth is a Process. The input information is when to brush your teeth. The input physical resources are water, tooth paste, and your teeth. The tools used are your brush and floss. You have a set procedure for brushing and flossing. And the output is a set of cleaner teeth.

Processes can divided up into smaller connected sub-processes called "Tasks" without changing the functionality or nature of the overall Process. There are many reasons for doing this. The most obvious reason for defining Tasks is to divide the work load of the Process. Two other reasons that are not as obvious are what we call "Functional Clarity" and "Process Framing" which are discussed later. 

Tasks are connected in a Process by Forms and Deliverables. Forms carry information from one Task to the next while Deliverables are any physical items that must be transferred between Tasks. Although most people think of Forms as paper items, Forms really only represent the method by which information travels from one Task to another in a Process.

Every Task is a Process in and of itself. In order to be efficient they must both meet the following requirements.

• Input information and Materials are complete
  

• Input information and Materials are correct
  

• Input information and Materials are ready for processing
  

• Actions performed are clearly defined

• Guidance for repeatability of actions must be available
  

• Tools used are of appropriate complexity
  

• Outputs are clearly defined

• Delivery of outputs is clearly defined
  

• A means of measuring the Process execution is utilized

The above efficiency requirements can be grouped into four areas for closer examination:

INPUTS and Outputs

ACTIONS

TOOLS

METRICS

But the examination would not be complete without another vital area that significantly affects Process efficiency:

THE HUMAN FACTOR