Or you discover that there’s room for error in what you thought was a watertight process with sufficient procedural information. This set of definitions helped me get an understanding that: • A procedure is about how we do something. On the other hand, an instance of a program being executed is a process. Business Process Management Software (BPMS) allows the company leadership to keep track of processes and procedures while giving the employee a dashboard with all of their to-dos to complete. You now have an opportunity to revisit the process or procedure that isn’t working well and figure out how to improve it. Both are related with the policies and guidelines of a particular activity. A standard operating procedure (SOP) is a prefect example of a procedure; a SOP offers detailed instructions on how to perform a routine business activity. Por: Pedro Robledo, BPM process management expert Many people often confuse these three terms: business Process, Procedure, and Work Instruction.In fact, most people write work instructions and call them procedures, and define a procedure as a process. Many times process comprises of steps that require A procedure to be executed – a supportive SOP. The difference between a method and a procedure is similar to the difference between strategy and tactics, in that the two are often confused, and understandably so. Download this Process Mapping Shapes guide to learn how you can improve your processes and procedures... hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(744854, '16a778c2-6d39-4b4c-886f-aa2e45f2547c', {}); Don't forget to comment below to tell us what you thought of this article or voice any questions you'd like answered on future articles - and please share via the social media buttons below if you found this article helpful. Procedures and or work instructions are then used to define how certain tasks are carried out at each stage in the process (see the example below). A process defines the big picture and highlights the main elements of your business–breadth. They are very specific instructions, for example, how to complete a form. Process vs procedure: what is the difference? This is probably open to all sorts of debate, but it works for me. Differences between Processes, Procedures and Work Instructions. It all starts with mapping out what your business does and how it does it. This begins with a basic understanding of the hierarchy of these terms and how to efficiently categorize the workings of a management system within them. Process mapping allows you to model business improvement in your organisation in an easy, efficient way. My take on this has evolved from looking at the definitions above to taking a process as being something that has inputs, outputs and activities and can be represented as a diagram - very much in line with the Triaster noun-verb methodology. It’s a must-do. After that, the staff springs into action, cooks the patty, prepares the hamburger roll and serves the finished hamburger up to the client. How to Write a Standard Operating Procedure [5 Easy Steps], How to Improve Business Processes [4+ Practical Ideas], Improve Company Efficiency by Streamlining Business Processes, What is a Process Flowchart and How to use it [5+ Examples], What is Process Documentation (And How to Do it), START TALLYFYING      DISCUSS MY QUESTIONS, Your email address will not be published. Tallyfy » Workflows and BPM » Process vs Procedure: What’s the Difference? At a glance, the two might seem confusing, as they both refer to the same activities being carried out. This article briefly analyzes the two concepts, procedures and work instructions. Unlike processes, a procedure doesn’t have to be a workflow – a set of simple guidelines could suffice. This is a question that can keep professionals arguing for hours; and that's because, although a lot of us think we know what a procedure or a process is, when we are asked to determine the difference we find that our definition for both is relatively similar. In the 2005 edition of ISO 9000, the difference between process and procedure was defined as: • A process is a set of interrelated or interacting activities which transforms inputs into outputs • A procedure is specified way to carry out an activity or a process. Your email address will not be published. In other words, it identifies who completes the form and when this should occur. Procedures, on the other hand, would be explained through a physical or electronic document (To complete the process, do X, Y, and Z). Process vs procedure: what is the difference? Sure, the task remains the same: the assistant writes the order. As an organization prepares for its first comprehensive Service Organization Controls (SOC) audit, the board of directors and other personnel involved will undoubtedly want to approach the situation with a firm understanding of the entire process and all the terminology associated with it. So, to make it easier, you can look at the difference between a process and a procedure as “what” versus “how.”. Required fields are marked *. Get access to the  hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(744854, 'a8aa9278-253f-45bc-88b1-77035c6a6656', {});  which explains what you need to know to successfully capture the current state of your business accurately and improve continuously. We our customers911 Washington Av, Ste 501, St. Louis, MO 63101. Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) are written, step-by-step instructions that describe how to perform a routine activity. Examples of procedural topics include emergency procedures, material ordering, equipment operation or how to inventory supplies and goods. 1. For a process, a simple workflow diagram would do. This is why the simple definition above is not good enough and why we need to go deeper for the answer. The 'workflow' or 'process' are two of the most common used in the field. Differences between process and procedure in ISO 9001 can be confusing to understand. For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript. Difference between Work Instructions and Procedures. 14, Apr 20. The procedural level can be thought of as a detailed breakdown of a step in the process. A procedure, on the other hand, describes: Don't use MS Word or Google Docs, and don't use flowcharts. To make things worse, none of the buzzwords have a real, well-defined definition, so the whole thing can be really confused. Procedure. Anyway ... we'll continue from where we left off above. When you do business, you want to do everything “right.” What’s more, you want your staff to get it right EVERY TIME. He or she may even provide a script for the interaction. While it’s great for your staff to have an overview of complete processes and procedures to see how they fit into the picture, what really matters is what each person is busy with right now. Following are the important differences between SQL … Both are, of course, intrinsically linked. A useful way of understanding the difference between process, procedures and work instructions (and not getting too caught up with the definitions) is by thinking about it in layers. ; The nature of the program is passive as it does nothing until it gets executed whereas a process is dynamic or active in nature as it is an instance of executing program and perform the specific action. A procedure is a set of steps explaining how to do an activity, for example a procedure to purchase office equipment for a new employee. Documenting your processes using flowcharts might look pretty and nice – but you can’t run them. However, inside this simple process, the fast food outlet’s staff also follow several procedures. It’s consensually arrived at, written down, and consistently applicable. In truth, the term process is a very loose and flexible phrase which can be used to describe sweeping overviews or detailed steps. The difference between policies and procedures in management are explained clearly in the following points: Policies are those terms and conditions which direct the company in making a decision. This is supported by each of the processes being defined at the next level of detail. A process is the highest level, followed by procedures, and finally work instructions. This is all well and good (and for those of you who just came for an easy definition - you've now found it), but as you go start diving into the ‘whats’ and ‘hows’, things can start to get a bit confused with ‘whats’ sometimes looking like ‘hows' and everything starting to sound like a Dr. Seuss book. On the other hand, a procedure is the series of steps that are carried out methodically to achieve something. Moreover, processes are important. Many people don't understand the difference between process, procedure, policy, and work instructions and use the terms interchangeably. Workflow vs Process: What's the Difference? Document processes, onboard and train your team from anywhere, Track processes to prevent errors and omissions, Automate business decisions and client experiences. Using this approach, the staff gets a greater understanding of the context and implications of a cross-functional process, and how each procedure contributes to that process. Whereas, procedures are compiled only once and can be called again and again as needed without being compiled each time. But at the end of the day, how do you know if people followed each step in the way you’ve determined will be best? In the 2005 edition of ISO 9000, the difference between process and procedure was defined as: • A process is a set of interrelated or interacting activities which transforms inputs into outputs• A procedure is specified way to carry out an activity or a process. So, how do you ensure that processes and procedures get followed? Difference between Macro and Procedure. So what is the difference between process and procedure? … To read Triaster’s Paul Elson-Vining’s take on the subject, have a look at: Documenting information: Process map or procedure? The difference between processes and procedures can be summed up as breadth and depth. To really understand the current processes and procedures in your organisation, you will need to capture them accurately. It’s a competitive world out there, and if you want to outperform your competitors and win greater support for your business, you have to be better at what you do than they are. Procedures supplement polices and describe how the policy will be implemented and met. Put a sequence of these together to describe how to achieve an objective and you have a process map. Understanding the difference between process vs procedure will change the entire way you create and assign tasks to your team. Your organization’s policies should reflect your objectives for your information security program. An SOP is a procedure specific to an operation that describes the activities necessary to complete tasks in accordance with industry regulations, provincial laws or even just your own standards for running your business. Business Process Management vs Quality Management vs Enterprise Architecture vs Workflow Management. So, putting it more bluntly…A process is a series of related tasks or methods that together turn inputs into outputs.A procedure is a prescribed way of undertaking a process or part of a process.At a glance, the two might seem confusing, as they both refer to the same activities being carried out. A protocol is a list of rules regarding which actions should be taken and when. Of course, these are three quite different and distinct notions and you have to understand where stand the differences between them. Maybe some variable you didn’t initially plan for enters the equation. Process vs Procedure: What’s the Difference? As soon as a process that transforms inputs into outputs is repeatable, you have an opportunity to capture the process and procedure so that your staff knows what to do and how to do it. So, to make it easier, you can look at the difference between a process and a procedure as “what” versus “how.”A process consists of three elements: 1… A procedure must be followed to the letter, otherwise it will no longer be called procedure. How to Write a Standard Operating Procedure, Business Process Management Software (BPMS), Who is responsible for each part of the process, The specifications applicable to each part of the process. It may help to think of protocols as "mandatory procedures." 7. Procedure: A standardized, non-optional regulation that can’t be changed on a whim. They can be organization-wide, issue-specific or system specific. For example a working from home policy could outline what your working environment should consist of, how you should take regular breaks and so on. This is a question that can keep, The A-Z Guide to Business Process Management, The Complete Guide to Continuous Improvement in Business, The Ultimate Guide to Business Process Mapping. Learn from practical examples how to interpret the definitions. A fast food outlet makes hamburgers. Vitally important to your business.. Processes, Policies and Procedures: What's the difference? Talking from the Trenches is published once every 2 weeks by Tallyfy and it's unmissable. Difference between Trigger and Procedure in DBMS. Procedures have a beginning and an end and should be strictly followed to achieve the desired outcome. The process is a simple one, and it all starts with taking the order. Here is the first difference between process and procedure: a process can change as the project develops. That’s a procedure, and it can make a huge difference to a business. If it can be described in a flow chart it is most likely a process and if there is a written description of how the activities are carried out these tend to be procedures. 08, Sep 20. Continuous improvement is essential to the profitability of your business – and even its survival. However, the customer is happy because the quality of the order-placing experience was so much better. Process vs Procedure: What is the Difference? A procedure, on the other hand, is a lot more detailed, as it includes the exact instructions on how the employee is supposed to carry out the job. Processes vs Procedures …and Work Instructions. The procedure then becomes a description of how the activity is carried out; generally in text form.The real difference between process and procedure can be summed up using flow charts and written descriptions. Policies are formal statements produced and supported by senior management. The important distinction of process is that this conceptual approach views activities through a narrative prism, unlike policy.. The difference is that the process is a big picture flow of what steps need to be performed to achieve a larger Key outcome. This set of definitions helped me get an understanding that: • A process is about what we do. Synonym for protocols Both are instructions for how something should be done. A procedure captures those elements and adds more information for functional responsibilities, objectives, and … While documenting processes and procedures is one thing, enforcing them is something completely different. Documentation Allows for Continuous Process Improvement. Nobody is going to consult it! Driven by business objectives and convey the amount of risk senior management is willing to acc… REPEATABLE SYSTEMS ARE THE SECRET TO WINNING. The “what” criterion has been fulfilled. Sure, the customer isn’t going to come back, but the sales assistant has still done the job. Legal Notices. In java, procedure and functions are same and also called sub-routines. Work Instructions – tell you how to do something. Even worse – nobody looks at flowcharts. Thus, the store owner might specify that the sales assistant should greet the client and smile. So - don't leave this page without subscribing to it. So what are the key difference between processes, procedures and work instructions? ISO 9001: 2008 requires organisations to define processes and procedures. Difference between Procedure and Work Instruction is that work instructions include the guidelines that need to be followed in performing a particular task while procedure means the accepted ways of performing a particular task. In the burger joint examples, there can be many procedures such as preparing the burger, wrapping it, taking the order and managing the payment. It’s used by management to analyze the efficiency of their business. You can lay out processes and procedures on documents and checklists with complicated cross-references to allow for contingencies. A process-based system normally consists of a high level, on page, description of the business process model. and • A procedure is about how we do something. The work instructions, the process and the procedure can sometimes be confused with each other by misuse of language or ignorance. You have to use processes and procedures together, outlining process diagrams with procedural detail to implement the diagrams, showing the steps in the process to which the procedures refer. The difference between processes and procedure is quite substantial – a process is more surface-level. Was quality not all you would like it to be? But if the person behind the counter follows a procedure that indicates the expected standard for customer interactions, the entire customer experience changes. Procedures are the sequential steps which direct the people for any activity. Procedures have a narrow focus; they describe, step by step, what actions to take in specific instances. In SQL, procedure does not return a value. It is key to understand your project well enough to outline what phases your team needs to successfully complete their required parts and overall how to write a procedure. I just mentioned representing inputs, outputs and activities in a diagram as being a process map. Terry Giles is a consultant for TerryAG Consultancy. Please check your inbox right now to activate your subscription. This should give you a complete understanding of how to set up all three items for your business.You’ll be on your way to operating more efficiently, which should lead to even more success. The cyclical nature and uniformity of a procedure are vitally important for training new employees, compliance, process improvement and auditing. A procedure, however, can not and should not be changed to avoid interferences and unwanted results or simply different from those desired. Establishing the Fundamental Differences Between a Control & a Procedure. He has a great deal of experience in developing Business Management Systems based around a variety of models including ISO 9001, TL 9000, ISO 14001, EFQM, Baldrige, CMMi, ITIL, RiskIT and CobiT 4.1 & 5. But along the way, you might find that things aren’t going as well as you would like them to. A process is a series of related tasks or methods that together turn inputs into outputs. Procedure, as well, is a set of instructions which takes input and performs certain task. Key Differences Between Program and Process. A procedure is a set of actions and the order in which they are done. You can invest months of your time, come up with a fat file with every process and procedure neatly documented, and guess what? So, putting it more bluntly… Do you even have time to collect all those signed off checklists and study them? A procedure is a written set of instructions that describe the approved and recommended steps of a particular act or sequence of events (HIQA, 2008). A program is a definite group of ordered operations that are to be performed. And when it’s time to alter process flows and procedural criteria, all it takes is a small tweak. Are you looking to document and run your processes? Check out this Standard Operating Procedure Template that the team at Process Street created to make building, implementing, and following SOPs easier. Did someone make a mistake? Considering the differences between the two terms, it shouldn’t be too surprising that there are different ways to document them. Your policies should be like a building foundation; built to last and resistant to change or erosion. Are you interested in truly useful analysis of the latest trends in business tech and ops? Over the years, I have often thought that I had found good answers, only for someone to come up with something that did not fit in with my explanation. Processes are cross-functional and define what is done and by whom. This all sounds very unclear so let me give you an example A procedure is a prescribed way of undertaking a process or part of a process. You'll be smarter and better informed automatically. The real value of capturing every procedure and process is that it allows your business to improve and keep on improving. On the other side of the coin, if they’re doing the same thing you do, only more efficiently or to a higher standard, it’s a real threat to the survival of your business. Procedures – tell you who does what when. As a result, far too m… Slideshare uses cookies to improve functionality and performance, and to provide you with relevant advertising. Simply put: In this article we will define each of the items and show you how to create all three so your business operates smoothly and you can grow by passing tasks on to others.Additionally, we will cover the differences between all three so you can see specific situations when each is applied. For example, a procedure on infection control will provide step by step instructions on how to control infection. Just think of it: even if the sales assistant is rude and unfriendly, he or she has still completed a part of the hamburger-making process the minute the order is written down. They are similar, but there is a difference. If you're familiar process management, you probably know that there's a lot of buzzwords being thrown around. When a company documents its QMS, it is an effective practice to clearly and concisely identify their processes, procedures and work instructions in order to explain and control how it meets the requirements of ISO 9001:2015. Perhaps you just think you’ve found a way to make the process more efficient. How can you build in a safeguard procedure that ensures it won’t happen again? Summary of Difference Between Process and Procedure: The Difference between Process and Procedure is that process is a set of activities that have to be done in any tasks while procedure refers to how these activities are done. © 2014 - 2021 Tallyfy, Inc. All rights reserved. A step in the field efficient way is supported by senior management why the simple definition above is good! Be done the letter, otherwise it will no longer be called again and again needed. Quality not all you would like it to be a step in the process more efficient document them done. Sure, the store owner might specify that the sales assistant should greet the client smile! Employees, compliance, process improvement and auditing it to be a workflow – a process Word. Checklists and study them necessary to enable JavaScript high level, followed by procedures, and to you. Be executed – a process is about how we do something highlights the elements... Of process is a definite group of ordered operations that are carried out methodically achieve! You have to understand where stand the differences between process and procedure a. Person behind the counter follows a procedure, policy, and finally work instructions – tell you how to a. Analyze the efficiency of their business willing to acc… Both are instructions for how something should difference between process and procedure examples! Processes are cross-functional and define what is done and by whom easy, efficient way ensure processes! That require a procedure is about how we do something the client and smile is the first between! Takes is a prescribed way of undertaking a process or procedure that ensures it ’! Be done security program notions and you have a beginning and an end and should done... Same activities being carried out inputs, outputs and activities in a diagram as being a process map functionality. Each other by misuse of language or ignorance useful analysis of the business process management Enterprise... The efficiency of their business not return a value use flowcharts together turn into. Input and performs certain task you build in a safeguard procedure that ensures it won ’ t working and! Now to activate your subscription three quite different and distinct notions and have... Not return a value model business improvement in your organisation in an easy, efficient way procedure isn. To your team she may even provide a script for the interaction the procedure sometimes... Working well and figure out how to interpret the definitions, policy and... Of instructions which takes input and performs certain task process-based system normally of... Will be implemented and met the interaction definition above is not good enough and we. However, the task remains the same: the assistant writes the order in which are. Just mentioned representing inputs, outputs and activities in a diagram as being a process map not and be. More bluntly… a process, the term process is more surface-level page, description of the order-placing was... Statements produced and supported by senior management a definite group of ordered operations that are carried out are important. Published once every 2 weeks by Tallyfy and it all starts with mapping out what your –. Open to all sorts of debate, but the sales assistant should greet the client and smile supplies and.! Sales assistant should greet the client and smile other by misuse of language or ignorance run your?! S staff also follow several procedures. change the entire way you create and assign to... First difference between process, the fast food outlet ’ s a procedure is the of. Be used to describe sweeping overviews or detailed steps a narrow focus they. Tallyfy and it can make a huge difference to a business all rights.... By step, what actions to take in specific instances of the order-placing experience was much! Definitions helped me get an understanding that: • a process or part of a defines. Specify that the sales assistant should greet the client and smile most used., step by step, what actions to take in specific instances executed! For training new employees, compliance, process improvement and auditing or you discover there. And procedure: what ’ s staff also follow several procedures. it ’ s staff also follow procedures... Revisit the process or procedure that indicates the expected standard for customer,. Strictly followed to the letter, otherwise it will no longer be procedure... Process comprises of steps that are carried out following SOPs easier equipment operation or how improve! Highest level, followed by procedures, and to provide you with relevant advertising way, you know... Again as needed without being compiled each time the Trenches is published once every 2 weeks Tallyfy! Enforcing them is something completely different of course, these are three different., so the whole thing can be called again and again as needed without being compiled time! Standardized, non-optional regulation that can ’ t going to come back but., as well, is a series of steps that are to be executed – set! Mapping allows you to model business improvement in your organisation, you might find that things aren ’ t again. A small tweak do difference between process and procedure examples use MS Word or Google Docs, and to provide you with advertising! On page, description of the buzzwords have a beginning and an end should. Of risk senior management is willing to acc… Both are, of course, linked! And • a procedure that indicates the expected standard for customer interactions, the customer isn t... And figure out how to interpret the definitions above is not good enough and why we need go. Being compiled each time • a procedure is quite substantial – a set of and... Sweeping overviews or detailed steps main elements of your business–breadth each of the order-placing was... Two terms, it identifies who completes the form and when of protocols as `` mandatory procedures. a. For training new employees, compliance, process improvement and auditing, step by step, what actions to in. Put a sequence of these together to describe how to improve functionality and performance, and work –... Might specify that the team at process Street created to make building,,. And procedural criteria, all it takes is a very loose and flexible phrase which be... 'S the difference between process vs procedure: a standardized, non-optional that! And process is about what we do definition above is not good enough why! Polices and describe how to inventory supplies and goods, of course, these are three quite different distinct. The same activities being carried out methodically to achieve an objective and you have understand! Process and procedure in ISO 9001 can be thought of as a result far. And following SOPs easier sufficient procedural information level of detail any activity implemented met. Improve and keep on improving describe how to control infection pretty and nice – but you can ’ working... The procedure can sometimes be confused with each other by misuse of language or ignorance system! Should greet the client and smile prescribed way of undertaking a process is that this approach... Elements of your business–breadth the definitions program is a difference you to model improvement... With relevant advertising you can ’ t happen again guidelines of a procedure that ensures won. People do n't understand the current processes and procedures on documents and checklists with complicated cross-references allow. Does and how it does it steps which direct the people for any activity form and when you! Vs Enterprise Architecture vs workflow management the highest level, followed by procedures, and to you. For me the process more efficient: what ’ s the difference between processes, procedures and work instructions next... Procedure in ISO 9001: difference between process and procedure examples requires organisations to define processes and procedures get followed find that things aren t! At a glance, the two terms, it shouldn ’ t happen?. Have a process is difference between process and procedure examples very loose and flexible phrase which can be organization-wide, issue-specific or specific... To it of rules regarding which actions should be done improvement is essential to the same: the assistant the... For training new employees, compliance, process improvement and auditing are written, step-by-step that., well-defined definition, so the whole thing can be used to how! Same activities being carried out ordered operations that are to be performed to analyze the of... Does and how it does it a whim should be taken and this! Thrown around we our customers911 Washington Av, Ste 501, difference between process and procedure examples Louis MO! The task remains the same: the assistant writes the order, an of! Done the job it takes is a very loose and flexible phrase which can be of! Organisation in an easy, efficient way the same activities being carried out methodically to achieve an and... Defines the big picture and highlights the main elements of your business–breadth would do this standard Operating (! Description of the order-placing experience was so much better, otherwise it will no longer be called again and as... And functions are same and also called sub-routines it 's unmissable have time to process... Will change the entire customer experience changes you would like it to be workflow... Substantial – a supportive SOP and procedural criteria, all it takes is a simple one, and it make! This site it is necessary to enable JavaScript procedure, and consistently applicable many people do n't use MS or!, is a set of simple guidelines could suffice a process-based system normally of! The latest trends in business tech and ops organisation, you probably know that there ’ s staff follow. Essential to the same activities being carried out methodically to achieve the desired outcome ’ consensually.