We have now reached part 3 of our blog series on the process team. In our previous articles, we covered the role and tasks of the process owner and process experts.
In this section, we will take a closer look at the role of the process developer.
The process developer often supports several different process teams: for example, he or she may document and develop the processes, create project plans, devise and implement process improvement strategies, prepare management reports or perform other tasks. This person builds a well-functioning "process ecosystem" to take the organisation to the next level.
The process teams series consists of the following articles:
- Part 1: the servant process leader or process owner »
- Part 2: the skilled process expert »
- Part 3: the connecting process developer »
- Part 4: the mobilising process trainer »
A quick recap: the process team
In the first article, we discussed the function of a process team in more detail.
Just to refresh your memory, a process team consists of a group of people whose goal is to implement and improve a business process. This team usually consists of a process leader or owner, process experts, a supporting process developer, and a process trainer. An organisation often has several process teams, for example a team for the sales process, another team for the production process, and so on.
The process team works together to map the process, make process agreements, collect feedback and continuously improve the process.
The role and tasks of a process developer
A connecting process developer facilitates process teams by advising and guiding them in designing and improving processes. In doing so, a process developer supports several different process teams, giving him or her a connecting role.
In summary, the process developer supports the process team in identifying, designing, setting up, validating and verifying the processes.
We will elaborate on the different tasks below.
1. Expressing intent, method, and form for process development
As a process-development veteran, the process developer carries the intent, method and form for process development within the organisation. Why do we map processes as a chain with transfer points? Why do we choose a particular method or framework, such as SIPOC and the Waterfall model? These are all questions the process developer can answer.
With this, the process developer ensures that a consistent approach and methodology is used across all different departments and teams.
2. Ensure processes are well aligned
A process team can sometimes forget that processes are connected, or that a process appointment in other teams is needed to generate certain input for their own process. The process developer takes the connection into account and keeps an overview of all processes in this respect.
In addition, the process developer can offer a helping hand in introducing or improving transfer moments between different processes, so that no loose processes are created that are not connected.
3. Facilitating process teams in their process design sessions
How do you tackle a process design session? Start by brainstorming using the Process Model Canvas, but how does that work in practice? And are there best practices for designing processes or handy mnemonics (such as that you always give processes a verb in the name). How do you make sure you apply those best practices?
The process developer is experienced in this and can guide the process team. This way, you can be sure that you start working on the process design in the right way.
4. Support process team in design, set-up, validation and review
The process developer supports the process team in the development and improvement of processes, through methods such as the aforementioned Process Model Canvas, SIPOC, but also through the use of Comm'ant Process or other process modelling tools.
In addition, the process developer guides the process team in the validation and verification process, which is used to test and optimise the process in practice.
5. Identify opportunities for further development
A process developer is able to look at processes from a different perspective, allowing him or her not only to identify improvements, but also to see opportunities for further development. The process developer is an important link between the process team, management and other departments in the organisation.
6. Report progress to the process leader/owner
Finally, the process developer may be responsible for reporting progress to the process owner and/or a steering committee. In some organisations, not the process developer, but the process expert is responsible for this.
So, as a process developer, you are an important link in the process development process. You perform many tasks that contribute to improving processes, solving bottlenecks and identifying opportunities for further development.
You are able to guide teams in their process design activities and ensure that the processes are well aligned. You are also often responsible for reporting progress to the management or steering committee. So you are an essential for success!
In conclusion: Next Level process management using Comm'ant
Comm'ant's software takes your organisation a step further in process management. The software offers extensive possibilities to document, monitor and improve processes.
When you get started with Comm'ant, we are happy to share our more than 20 years of process management knowledge and experience.
Want to know more? Then book a no-obligation demo with our process specialists.
