Listicle #1 — How-To Steps (Process Mapping, Workflow Tools, O2C Optimisation, Process Documentation)
Define the start and end points of the workflow to avoid scope drift.
Identify the core process owner and the individuals who execute and receive the process output.
Gather the existing informal steps by interviewing practitioners.
Map the high-level process before adding procedural detail.
Use standard symbols (rectangles, diamonds, arrows) to ensure consistency.
Add swimlanes to reveal handoffs, delays and responsibility gaps.
Validate the map against real-world behaviour, not ideal scenarios.
Capture exceptions and escalation paths to reflect actual operations.
Align tools and systems with the documented procedures rather than using them to compensate for inefficiencies.
Review for simplification opportunities, removing complexity or duplicated actions.
Translate the map into process documentation suitable for training and optimisation.
Set up periodic reviews to adjust as teams, tools and requirements evolve.