Running a business is no small task. With limited resources and growing demands, having well-structured processes in place can make all the difference. Whether you’re just starting or looking to expand, understanding your business processes is key to staying organized, efficient, and competitive.
Behind every successful organization lies a series of well-structured business processes. These processes form the foundation for delivering products, providing services, and achieving business goals.
While every company operates differently, most processes can be grouped into three key categories: Core (Primary) Processes, Support Processes, and Management Processes.
These are the processes that directly create value for your customers. The activities that a customer is paying for and would notice if you stopped doing them. These processes deliver your products or services and drive revenue.
Examples:
Product development
Service delivery
Customer communication
Marketing and sales
They directly impact client satisfaction, market competitiveness, and overall business growth.
Support processes may not directly bring in revenue, but they are the backbone that allows your business to function smoothly. These are the activities that a customer does not see, but are necessary to support the Core (Primary) Processes.
Examples:
Hiring and managing employees
IT and technical support
Finance and accounting
Office administration
Support processes provide the tools, resources, and expertise necessary for core activities to run efficiently, ensuring that employees have the systems and assistance they need to perform at their best. In growing businesses, these processes play a crucial role in preventing burnout, reducing errors, and freeing up time so you can focus on what matters most — your customers and your bottom line.
Management processes provide strategic direction, oversight, and resource allocation. They ensure that both core and support processes align with organizational goals and operate effectively.
Examples:
Strategic planning
Project and Program Management
Performance monitoring
Budgeting and resource management
Risk management and problem-solving
Although estimated to represent only about 10% of all business processes, management processes are critical for long-term success. They help organizations stay focused, responsive to change, and aligned with their vision.
By understanding and organizing your core, support, and management processes, you set your business up for efficiency, better decision-making, and sustainable growth.
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