Process documentation is essential when it comes to outsourcing your business tasks. But while documenting a process is very useful, it is also a skill that many people overlook. That is why we have created this brief guide. The tips below will help you prepare a process document.

Process documentation can help you achieve your goals

Tips and Suggestions for Process Documentation

While there are many factors at play when it comes to successful process documentation, we found that there are a few vital techniques that you should follow. Below are a few methods that will help you document any process easily.

1) Create a Process Template
2) Schedule Time on Your Calendar
3) Have Someone Else Watch You Perform the Process
4) Record Yourself Doing the Process

Create a Process Template

One of the best ways to get started with process documentation is to use a process template. Templates will not only help you document a single process. They will also help you save time when you are trying to document processes.

Start by creating a general template that has areas you can fill out with relevant data. Include spaces for details such as:

• All steps in the process
• Frequency of the process
• Roles involved in the process
• Additional information and attachments

After you have a template with that basic information, you will have a much easier time documenting future processes. Each time you do, you can customize your template to suit the needs of the specific process in question.

Schedule Time on Your Calendar

Process documentation is one of those tasks that are helpful but slightly outside of the primary daily functions of you and your team. With that being the case, it is easy to push process documentation off as a non-essential task.

But remember that after documenting a process, you will likely be affording yourself the chance to save time in performing your primary roles. A well-documented process makes your organization more efficient as each team member has a clear idea of how each process should unfold.

To avoid the tendency to procrastinate on process documentation, set a time to complete it. After honoring that commitment, you can enjoy the improved workflow that process automation can offer

Have Someone Else Watch You Perform the Process

Among the best ways to document a process is to have someone else watch you perform it. That second set of eyes will help you pick up on parts of the process that you might know better than others. It is also an opportunity for that second person to ask questions that will help both of you build a more comprehensive understanding of the process.

Check out our free guide to direct you during this process!

Document the Process

Record Yourself Doing the Process

If you have no idea where to start when documenting a process, the easiest approach you can take is to perform the process. The only difference is that you will be recording yourself as you do it.

By recording yourself doing a process, you may notice details that you took for granted before. This practice will give you a deeper knowledge of the process and allow you to better explain it to others.

Conclusion

Whether you are outsourcing, offshoring, or you just want a better work/life balance, process documentation can help you achieve your goals. Just follow the tips in this article, and you will be ready to document any of the processes that your business carries out.