Levels of Process Documentation

When analysing or documenting business processes, different levels of detail can be used depending on the purpose.  The deeper you go, the more detailed and specific the view becomes.  This tiered approach helps ensure the process map is appropriate for the audience and objective.

When looking at your own business processes it's likely you will be focussed on Level 2 Process Models and Level 3 Task Descriptions. The level you choose to drill down to will depend on the purpose, for exmaple:

• Use Level 1 when you need to identify and communicate big-picture process dependencies.
• Use Level 2 to understand handovers, scope and responsibilities within a function.
• Use Level 3 when you need precision - for training, system implementation, or detailed improvement work.

SIPOC can also be a great mapping tool to get you started.  A quick guide to using SIPOC can be found on the Continuous Improvements Network.  SIPOC stands for supplier, input, process, output, customer, provides a "birds eye view" of a process, highlighting the different components and parties involved.