Methodology in process management: what they are and how they work

Table of Contents

It is known that the promotion of a company's competitive differential is an essential factor for obtaining better results and for achieving a prominent position in the market, which requires a process management methodology

After all, it is necessary to understand that transformative actions begin with the company's internal processes. Hence the importance of using the sharpest techniques and tools for processes management.

Thus, we prepared this article in which we describe the main process management methodologies used in the corporate scenario. You will notice that the management methodologies described below are more than simple theories: they are robust and effective tools for the methodical organization of strategic actions towards assertive and optimized performance by your business.

    What is process management methodology?

    Process management methodologies are, in short, sets of administrative strategies methodically structured with the purpose of guiding the progress of projects and processes in order to increase the productivity of a business

    These strategies consist of managing the company's routine steps through a systemic and balanced view of its internal work processes.

    Therefore, the management of organizational processes of a company does not only involve the tasks performed by the manager, but by all members of the organization.

    We can say that the best management methodologies seek to guide work processes at all levels of the company: from the institutional part (involving presidents, directors and partners), through the tactical level (such as coordinators and managers), to the institutional level ( involving supervisors, technicians, assistants, analysts, attendants and employees in general).

    Process management methodologies represent the best ways for this management to occur with high performance, integrating the various departments of a company and controlling the various functions and attributions present in an organization, as we will see below.

    What is the importance of implementing process management methodologies in companies?

    Process management methodologies are of total importance in absolutely all levels of a company's work routines, since they establish the strategic guidelines for planning, organization, direction and control of internal processes.

    A company needs to be understood as a structure of great complexity, being influenced by a whole series of factors, ranging from the social, political, legal, technological and economic contexts in which it is inserted, to aspects related to the market, such as suppliers, customers , competition and other demands.

    All this complexity calls for solid management strategies, and that's where the methodologies apply. Through them, we define:

    • goals and objectives; 
    • resource allocation and delegation of responsibilities; 
    • the correct management of the teams in the execution of the tasks; 
    • monitoring and evaluation of the measures adopted and the results obtained – all in line with the factors already mentioned.

    It is safe, therefore, to say that process management methodologies constitute essential tools for stabilizing the operations and order of a company and its most diverse sectors. 

    This structuring is the cornerstone for improving business performance and the effectiveness of the measures adopted. Not to mention that, in the implementation of an effective methodology, are the pillars of the culture organizational of a company. 

    By establishing guidelines, foundations and values ​​in a solid way, a strong sense of belonging and engagement is generated among all members of your team, which, operating in a cohesive and effective way, guarantee high levels of productivity and optimization of results.

    In general terms, we observe that companies that adopt good process management methodologies tend to obtain significant improvements in several aspects, such as:

    • better knowledge of the manager about the business itself;
    • clarity and objectivity in the vision of the processes;
    • standardization and automation of internal processes;
    • speed in decision-making and in obtaining results;
    • cost reduction and time optimization;
    • high levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty;
    • adequate distribution of resources;
    • delegation of functions and responsibilities;
    • better monitoring of the progress of processes, in order to correct failures and enhance successes.

    Main process management methodology models

    Now that you understand the concept and the importance of process management methodologies, we can better describe the main models, their characteristics and how they apply.

    PDCA

    PDCA (Plan, Do, Control and Act), also known as the Deming cycle, is an important process management methodology established in the 50s. It consists of the implementation and continuous monitoring of a measure, carrying out its four stages in a cyclic:

    • Plan – establishment of goals and action plan;
    • Do (execute) – carrying out the activities defined in the previous phase;
    • Control – Verification of the results obtained;
    • Act – Standardization and readjustment of activities according to observed results.

    Six Sigma

    The Six Sigma system works as a process management methodology based on the definition of goals and the application of specific projects for each one of them. This model operates according to the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Increment and Control) strategy:

    • Define: here the company's strategic objectives are outlined;
    • Measure: once the objectives are defined, it is necessary to obtain a full understanding of each phase of the company's internal processes, this is an analysis stage, in which progress monitoring metrics are established;
    • Analyze: here, solid data are verified that point to possible paths towards the desired improvements;
    • Increase: this is the step that uses the ability to innovation to improve your system, respecting the structural foundations of your business;
    • Control: this is the phase in which it is ensured that the results achieved are maintained in the long term.

    Benchmarking

    Benchmarking, also known as reverse engineering, is the ongoing process of measuring and comparing a company's products, services and practices with those of the most prominent competitors in the market. 

    Under this methodology, an in-depth study of the best practices used by other organizations is carried out, in order to replicate and/or improve them within your business.

    Lean Manufacturing

    Also called Lean Manufacturing and Slender Manufacturing, this methodology was developed in post-World War II Japan and aims to reduce costs even in the initial phase of the project, without compromising the safety and efficiency of the project. 

    In order to minimize waste, Lean Manufacturing follows the following principles:

    • immediate total quality: detection and solution of problems from the source;
    • waste minimization: obliteration of unnecessary activities and optimization of financial, human and spatial resources;
    • continuous improvement: performance and productivity optimization, cost reduction and information sharing;
    • “pull” processes: withdrawal of products by the final customer, so that they are not moved to the end of the production chain;
    • flexibility: fast and optimized production of varied batches of products, strengthening efficiency through smaller production volumes;
    • Providers: Cultivating a solid and lasting relationship with suppliers.

    BPM

    BPM, or Business Process Management, is a process management methodology that aims to improve the performance of a business in a continuous, accelerated and optimized way. 

    BPM is essentially based on not focusing on the company's segmentation into departments, launching a broader perspective that crosses all the processes involved within the organization.

    ⚠️ Also check out these related articles ????

    ➡️ Discover the real importance of process management in companies
    ➡️ People management processes: know what they are and how to use them
    ➡️ Learn what Kanban is and how to use it in your company

    Six steps to a good process management methodology

    Regardless of the model adopted, a good process management methodology passes, each in its own way, through six essential phases that must always be considered:

    1. Planning

    At this stage, the company's objectives and goals are defined, as well as an action plan for delivering value to customers. Here, all processes must be considered, from the main ones to the secondary ones.

    2. Mapping

    It is through mapping that management analyzes whether current processes are aligned with previously defined goals. Understanding the progress and the strengths and weaknesses of what is being done is the key so that improvements can be promoted.

    3. Remodeling

    This is the stage where the results collected in the mapping are analyzed and rethought. The remodeling aims to realign the processes that are not in accordance with the established objectives.

    4. Implementation

    Here, new processes are implemented continuously, using the methodology chosen by the manager.

    5. Monitoring

    Here, both the team and the managers observe and evaluate the results obtained after the remodel. For this step, it is important to adopt a good IT infrastructure.

    6. Improvement

    By properly applying a management methodology, the organization will be able to leverage its performance, optimizing its processes and reducing the occurrence of waste and other problems. Note that improvement is not a final phase, but a cyclical process, which must be pursued continuously.

    Finally, we emphasize that, in order to implement good process management in your company, as important as choosing the methodology that best suits your case is to use the best tools available on the market. 
    Therefore, we invite you to continue with us and check it out now. this article we made on the subject!

    Leave a comment

    Start your free trial today!

    Try our digital signature tool for free.
    The first 5 documents
    are free!

    Share this article

    Do you want to stay informed?

    Subscribe to our blog

    Related articles