An Introduction To Processes and Systems Thinking

A series of related processes that form an integral operation (process system) Pathways of change that link needs to benefits (moving from instability to relative stability)

How Change Occurs

According to Science, change is a unique phenomenon that sustains all existence. In nature (and business), it represents a constant push towards increased stability and benefits (eg. profit).

For change to take place, mechanisms are required to facilitate that change. These mechanisms are called processes. When processes are linked together, they form a pathway called a process system. At the front end of the process system is the need for benefits … and at the conclusion there are benefits (eg: profit). The need for benefits initiates the change and the realisation of benefits anchors the process system and allows it to be repeated. With each repetition, the system will tend to enhance its performance through experience/use, thus evolving superior benefits/results.

Systems not designed for performance and adaptation to change (ie. dynamic) become inflexible or static, and will fail.

Business Process Systems

Businesses consist of many process systems - sales, marketing, finance, manufacturing, distribution, research, customer service and information technology - to mention a few.

Your process systems are your unique way of doing business, manufacturing a product, delivering a product, etc - ie. what you do and how you do it.

Your business processes/process systems form part of your Intellectual Property (IP). Therefore, they should be understood, protected (a growing number of businesses are patenting their business process systems) and developed to their full potential. Your intellectual capital is an important business asset.

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Last updated on 6 September 2002