A business process is a set of activities that are performed in a structured and sequential manner to achieve a specific business outcome. Business processes can range from simple, straightforward activities, such as processing an invoice, to complex, multi-step processes, such as launching a new product.
Business processes typically involve the interaction of people, systems, and data, and they are often supported by technology and other tools. They are designed to achieve specific goals and objectives and to support the overall mission and strategy of the organization.
There are several types of business processes, including:
- Operational processes: These processes support the day-to-day operations of the organization and include activities such as customer service, order fulfillment, and payroll processing.
- Support processes: These processes support the operational processes and include activities such as human resources, finance, and procurement.
- Management processes: These processes support the decision-making and strategic planning activities of the organization and include activities such as budgeting, strategic planning, and performance management.