What is a Process? Definition and Examples of Processes in Business

Every organization runs on processes — the repeatable steps that turn ideas into outcomes. Whether it’s onboarding a new employee, launching a campaign, or delivering a product, well-defined processes make work predictable, efficient, and scalable.Put simply, a process is a structured way to get things done — the blueprint for consistency and growth.

What is a process?

Processes are used across all areas of business—from manufacturing and operations to marketing and customer service. They’re essentially structured, repeatable workflows that guide how tasks get done.

Not all processes are created equal. Some are simple and straightforward; others are complex, requiring specialized tools or expertise. Regardless of the complexity, effective processes help standardize operations, reduce inefficiencies, and improve consistency across teams.

Processes can, and inedvitably will, evolve. By analyzing performance metrics and identifying bottlenecks, your team can refine workflows to make them faster and more effective over time.

The three main types of business processes

When it comes to understanding how organizations operate smoothly, it helps to categorize their activities into three main types:

1. Management processes

These guide long-term strategy and direction. They include setting goals, allocating resources, planning initiatives, and evaluating performance.‍

Example: leadership teams defining company OKRs or reviewing annual results.

2. Operational processes

These are the day-to-day tasks that directly create value for customers—like producing goods, delivering services, or managing sales.

Strong operational processes ensure consistent quality, reliability, and efficiency.

3. Supporting processes

Supporting processes keep everything running behind the scenes. They don’t produce revenue directly but are vital for organizational stability.

Examples include IT, accounting, HR, and employee training.

By refining each of these categories, teams can create a strong foundation for sustainable growth and adaptability.

Benefits of well-defined processes

Implementing structured processes provides several key advantages:

• Increased efficiency: Streamlined steps reduce wasted time and effort.
• Better quality control: Standardized workflows ensure consistent outcomes.
• Improved customer satisfaction: Predictable processes create reliable experiences.
• Reduced costs: Efficiency gains lower labor and material expenses.
• Greater consistency: Clear expectations lead to uniform execution.
• Stronger risk management: Defined steps minimize the chance of errors or oversight.

Together, these benefits position an organization to operate more effectively and remain competitive in changing markets.

The importance of proactive process implementation

Waiting until a problem arises to implement processes is like waiting for rain to fix a leaky roof—it’s too late. By introducing processes early, organizations can anticipate challenges instead of reacting to them. Proactive process design reduces confusion, prevents costly mistakes, and creates clarity across teams.

Companies like Toyota and Procter & Gamble are known for their process-oriented cultures, which allow them to innovate quickly and deliver consistent quality. Having defined workflows empowers employees to work efficiently and adapt confidently—long before any crisis emerges.

Components of an effective process

Every successful process includes:

• A clear goal or objective
• Defined steps or actions
• Assigned roles and responsibilities
• Adequate resources and tools
• Open communication channels
• Performance tracking for ongoing improvement

When these elements align, teams can execute work consistently and identify opportunities to refine their approach over time.

Everyday examples of business processes

To see how processes work in practice, consider these everyday examples:

• Closing out the shop floor at the end of the day to maintain readiness for the next shift
• Searching for client contact details within a CRM
• Rolling out software updates, including testing and deployment
• Building customer profiles to better understand needs and preferences
• Onboarding a new employee—from orientation to account setup
• Coordinating an event, from vendor selection to final logistics

Each example follows a defined series of steps that ensures efficiency, consistency, and quality outcomes.

Conclusion

Processes are the backbone of organizational success. They help teams work smarter, reduce waste, and deliver consistent value to customers.

By understanding the different types of processes—and implementing them proactively—teams can operate more efficiently, adapt faster to change, and continuously improve over time.

Knowing your processes is step one. Managing them efficiently is what drives growth.

👉 Schedule a demo with Trainual to learn how to organize, automate, and optimize every process across your team — all in one platform.