by Chitra Manjunath

“It’s better to be wrong in a planned way than to be accidentally right.” – A popular saying, and with good reason.

That is exactly the concern for any Top executive or Managers, who often develop a sinking feeling when they suspect that a flaw in their business process is taking up valuable resources and pulling people away from important tasks, but cannot figure out what it is. Hence, organizing processes and being ready will be the greatest asset to handle unexpected events.

Streamlining and optimizing a process is the core focus of any business and this is where Process Documentation will empower the Management!

Process Documentation refers to the detailed step by step information on exactly how to conduct a process. A well-documented process empowers the organization, opens up the knowledge base of technical /business process to all the stakeholders and additionally, invites critical inputs from them for process improvement.

Process Documents can be across multiple format types, including Flowcharts, Visual Process Maps, Test Documentation, Deployment guide, API documentation, Employee Policies, Employee Onboarding Documentation, Quick User Guide, AR/AP Process Documentation and many more.

5 Key Benefits of a Process Documentation:

1. Increased Clarity and alignment: It helps in to keep all the stakeholders on same page regarding a specific business process.
2. Business Process improvement: It aids in quick identification of any bottle necks and thus work on optimizing the quality of the process.
3. Ensures Compliance: Process Documents like company policies /rules helps the employees understand their job roles and familiarize themselves with the process they will be involved with.
4. Knowledge Base: Acts as a central repository ensuring clear guidelines for any process and hence work is less likely to be duplicated.
5. Mergers and Acquisition: Documented processes makes it easier for any Mergers or Acquisitions. 

We have put together some best practices for effective process documentation:

• Keeping it precise
• Easier to edit
• Make it accessible
• Use more visuals 
• Engage stakeholders 

Regardless of how many processes are currently ongoing within a business, process documentation should be a mandatory practice as it often proves to be an invaluable asset for the growth a company.