What Is a Process? Definitions Across Business, Quality, IT, and Engineering
A clear process definition is fundamental to business management, quality assurance, IT operations, and engineering. While the core concept—transforming inputs into outputs through a sequence of activities—remains consistent, each discipline applies its own interpretation based on purpose and context.
In this article, we’ll explore the most relevant definitions of process from the perspectives of Business Process Management (BPM), ISO 9000, Information Technology (ITIL), Engineering, and Process Modeling.
📊 1. Process Definition in Business Process Management (BPM)
A business process is a set of structured, related activities performed by people or systems that deliver a product or service of value to a customer.
📘 Source: BPM CBOK (Business Process Management Common Body of Knowledge)
Key characteristics:
- Focused on delivering value
- Cross-functional (may involve multiple departments)
- Can be modeled, measured, and optimized
- Has a clear beginning and end
Example:
A Customer Support Process that begins with a user complaint and ends with issue resolution and feedback collection.
👉 Still not sure what exactly a business process is?
Check out our dedicated article on the definition of a business process.
🏢 2. Process Definition According to ISO 9000 (Quality Management)
A process is a set of interrelated or interacting activities that use inputs to deliver an intended result.
📘 Source: ISO 9000:2015 – Quality Management Systems – Fundamentals and Vocabulary
Highlights:
- Emphasis on standardization and repeatability
- Integral to quality certifications like ISO 9001
- Applies to both tangible and intangible outputs
Example:
A Procurement Process where materials are ordered, approved, and received consistently following a predefined set of rules.
💻 3. Process Definition in Information Technology (ITIL)
An IT process is a structured set of activities designed to accomplish a specific objective in the context of IT service management.
📘 Source: ITIL v4 (Information Technology Infrastructure Library)
Focus areas:
- Automation and efficiency
- Defined roles, responsibilities, and service levels
- Continuous improvement via KPIs and SLAs
Example:
The Incident Management Process in IT, where issues are logged, categorized, prioritized, and resolved to restore service quickly.
🏭 4. Process Definition in Engineering and Manufacturing
A production process is a logical sequence of technical operations that transforms raw materials into finished products.
📘 Source: Industrial and Systems Engineering Literature
Typical traits:
- Focused on physical transformation
- Optimized for throughput and cost
- Involves machines, tools, and human operators
Example:
An Assembly Line Process in a car factory that handles body assembly, painting, and final inspection.
🧠 5. Process Definition in Modeling and Systems Analysis
In systems theory and modeling, a process is a formalized sequence of state changes and transitions triggered by events over time.
📘 Used in: BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation), flowcharts, EPC diagrams
Purpose:
- Represents system behavior
- Used in simulations and analysis
- Can be visualized in software like HEFLO, Bizagi, or Visio
Example:
A BPMN-modeled Leave Request Process that includes gateways, user tasks, and automated decisions.
Comparative Overview
| Perspective | Focus | Typical Output |
|---|---|---|
| BPM | Customer value and optimization | Products, services |
| ISO 9000 | Standardization and quality | Repeatable results |
| ITIL (IT) | Service delivery and continuity | Restored service, request fulfillment |
| Engineering | Manufacturing efficiency | Physical goods |
| Modeling | Simulation and control | Analytical representation |
Conclusion
No matter the field—business, quality management, IT, or engineering—processes serve as the backbone of efficiency, consistency, and value creation. They enable organizations to structure their operations, deliver predictable outcomes, and continuously evolve through measurement and optimization.
Understanding the definition of a process from different perspectives empowers professionals to design better systems, improve collaboration across departments, and align activities with strategic goals.
👉 Want to go further?
Check out our next article on Business Process Improvement, where we explore real-world success stories and proven methodologies for transforming your processes.
