Process management is at the heart of project management

The fact that a good process management platform can play a key role in the day-to-day operations of a business is not new. From providing a central source of truth for operations to an audit record of what gets done, by whom and when, it is vital to effectively run an organization.

Good process management has more to offer than just replacing dusty procedure manuals, however.

Well-managed processes are important for making sure projects come in on time, on budget and on target. This applies to everything from short-term product development and research projects to full enterprise resource planning implementations.

When processes are done right, they contribute more than just the ‘how-to’ for staff on the front lines. Here are three ways process management excellence contributes to the entire lifecycle of a project.

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Setting the tone

When processes come to the fore at the outset of a project, they provide structure and shape for what is to come. More than that, a process management lens provides a perspective on how the project can develop and evolve. Ensuring process management from the beginning of a project sets the tone for change.

By establishing the processes that matter and then opening avenues for feedback, improvement and review, the entire project is pointed in the direction of continuous improvement.

In project management language this is the change request. It is the recognition that whatever you were doing was not working and needs improving. It could be the configuration of one of the systems, or that the project team understood some of the procedures differently, but there is room for a better way of working.

By establishing that attitude at the very beginning, projects set a trajectory for excellence and signal that continuous improvement matters.

Clarity and checkpoints

The desire to do better only counts if it is actionable. This is where great process management really shines. As projects proceed and develop, the processes that govern what each step requires provide clarity around purpose and outcomes. They are the checkpoints and landmarks that guide the project through each stage.

This creates a series of overlapping checks and balances. Clear and effective processes provide an audit trail of actions and anchor compliance requirements in the ongoing operations.

Stakeholders are kept up-to-date with the practices and procedures and handover points provide insight into time-frames and execution efficiency. Combined with the mind-set of continuous improvement, this creates a flow of ever-increasing excellence through every step of the project.

Training for the future

The value of effective process management does not end at delivery. Processes provide the roadmap of where you are going, and when kept current and correct, give a picture of how you got there at the end. Those records are invaluable when you want others to follow your path.

Excellent processes also create great training content, giving a clear picture of the steps, procedures and documentation that delivered on a project goal. When a project reaches completion, they can be used as the basis of comprehensive training materials, supporting both internal learning and the preparation of future projects.

In addition, processes can help accelerate onboarding for new teams and give shape to professional development for those wanting to grow in their involvement.

Good process management is central to effective project management and applies at every stage of the project lifecycle. From setting the tone of continuous improvement to setting future projects up for success, business processes provide a solid framework to support project management excellence.

How do you leverage processes for project management? Let us know in the comments below.