How to Develop Workflow Processes
Developing workflow processes involves identifying the various tasks that are involved in a process and how they interact with each the other. The goal is to streamline the process in order to reduce bottlenecks while completing tasks within the expected timeframe. Input from stakeholders is a key aspect of developing workflow processes as it can help identify any potential obstacles that may arise and make the process more efficient.
Getting Started
Start by thinking about the steps that need to be implemented to automate the process you are trying to automate. You can ask your team members to explain the current processes and what they think could be improved. Asking questions such as What specific tasks are required? Who is accountable for these tasks? How long will it take to complete each task?
Once you have identified the tasks, choose who will be accountable and if there are overlaps that should be trimmed away. Create a diagram that shows the relationship between the tasks and their steps. Arrows can be used to indicate the importance of tasks, or diamond shapes for decisions points.
Once the workflow is created it is essential to test it to ensure it runs smoothly. Make sure that all necessary information is given to the team, especially where there are dependencies or other issues. In addition, you should incorporate feedback from your team members when they use the workflow frequently to improve its functionality and efficiency.