Consider whether something can be completed more efficiently, cheaply or with higher quality. Look for key performance indicators to identify what is functioning well in terms of performance and what needs work toward improvement. [1] X Research source Ask yourself why it is a problem. If it is the result of another problem, keep tracing it back to it’s source. [2] X Research source
Consider the future of your company and where you would like to be in the next 1 year and 5 years. Your goal should fit with the vision and mission statement of your company. Goals should be realistically attainable. Avoid setting too many goals.
Set a measurable time frame to achieve the objective. Make sure the expectations are reasonable. Be sure you have the employees available to complete your objectives within the time frame you have set.
These actions should be interdependent and rely upon each other to achieve the objective. Activities can be sequential or parallel, meaning either one activity can not occur until the other is completed, or two activities can occur at the same time within the process. [5] X Research source
It is important to streamline the process and avoid having so many steps that it is overwhelming or confusing to the employees. If the omitted activity is important to your overall business, consider which goal best benefits from this activity and save it to be part of a separate business process.
Start with the premiere event leading to your goal. Draw a circle around this activity. Draw a line to a box and fill that box with the first activity required to work from this premiere event to your goal. When you reach a moment which requires a decision, draw a diamond around the question which must be posed. Two lines should proceed from this diamond leading to the activity driven by this decision. Link each activity sequentially. Some may run simultaneously through different departments within your business. Culminate in the activity which reaches your goal, and draw a circle around this conclusion.
Consider whether any part of your process can be automated. Step back and get an outside eye by sharing the process with your management team. Look at your process from the point of view of the customer and consider ways you could improve their experience and overall satisfaction.
Share the flowchart with your employees to clearly communicate the expectations for achieving your objective. Give management ownership by involving them in the process of creating the business process. Allow time and support for management to achieve the objectives assigned to them.
