Diagram your business process - Select digital
A business process is a set of activities or tasks that accomplish a specific organizational goal. By automating business processes using Laserfiche Workflow, organizations around the world have increased productivity and cut costs. Before you jump into your Workflow implementation, however, it is vitally important to diagram your business processes to ensure that they are as simple, logical and consistent as possible.
Why should I diagram my business process?
A business process diagram is a roadmap for implementation—it outlines the expected outcome and provides something concrete to build from.
Diagramming a business process:
Makes it possible to look at the big picture and take into account all types of potential scenarios.
Helps you research and understand your process thoroughly so that you can see how it can be changed or improved when automated.
Produces a visual aid that everyone can agree on—ensuring that everyone is on the same page.
Helps you reduce upfront errors and prevent unnecessary changes down the road.
How do I diagram a business process?
There are three steps to diagramming a business process:
Create an initial diagram based on upfront discovery.
Gather the additional requirements.
Incorporate those requirements into the diagram.
If need be, repeat steps 2 and 3 until everyone is satisfied with the end result.
Create an initial diagram based on upfront discovery.
An initial diagram is a general overview of what the stakeholders think the business process looks like. This is the general diagram that you will be “fleshing out” throughout the diagramming process. Before crafting this diagram, sit down with stakeholders to come up with initial, high-level steps in the business process.
Here is an example of an initial diagram for a purchase order generation process:
Gather the additional requirements.
Gathering requirements consists of obtaining information about the business process from the people involved in each step, such as end users, stakeholders, administrative assistants and department heads.
During requirements gathering phase, you may discover that employees no longer follow the established procedures or that the current office workflow is exceedingly frustrating. You can also find out how tasks are actually completed as opposed to how they are supposed to be completed.
Answer these questions during requirements gathering:
What is the overall goal of the business process?
What triggers the start of the process?
What signals the end of the process?
What are the activities in each step and who is involved in each activity?
Are there any alternate routes in the process?
Make sure you use specific terminology when questioning users and have them explain ambiguous phrases.
Examples:
“File” can mean a single document or a packet of individual documents.
“Sending” a document can mean e-mailing it, saving it on a network folder or transporting the hard copy.
Some other commonly misunderstood and misused terms include:
Bring in/store.
Can/cannot access.
Review.
Receive.
Notify.
Process.
Diagramming business processes is the perfect opportunity to improve how things are done in your organization.
Ask yourself:
Are there any steps in the process that seem redundant?
Is there a certain part of the process that can be reconfigured to be more efficient?
Don’t be afraid to make changes to the current process and incorporate those into your diagram.
Incorporate those requirements into the diagram.
Once you’ve gathered the requirements, incorporate them into your diagram by fleshing out each step. Don’t make assumptions even on little things such as the format of a date field—a diagram is useless unless it is detailed, correct and comprehensive.
Show this diagram to the stakeholders and end users to make sure that they are satisfied with the finalized process. Revise the diagram until everyone is satisfied with the final version, but make sure that you keep the goal of the process in mind the entire time. Remember that this diagram should be finalized when it shows a process that achieves this goal and not necessarily when every user or department’s wish is fulfilled.
The final diagram of the purchase order generation process is much more detailed than the initial diagram:
When you’re running a business in Bathurst, Orange, or anywhere across regional NSW, a reliable commercial printer is one of those things you don’t think about until it stops working. From professional client proposals to in-house forms and signage, the right commercial printer keeps your team moving and your business looking professional. But with so many choices, and plenty of confusing jargon, how do you pick the right one? Here’s what you need to know when choosing a commercial printer for your business, whether you’re leasing, buying, or just weighing up your options. 1. What Do You Actually Need to Print?
Most small and medium businesses don’t realise just how much they spend on office printing every year. Between paper, toner, repairs, and machine downtime, printing costs can add up fast - and eat into your profits before you know it. That’s why more businesses in Bathurst, Orange, and across regional NSW are switching to managed print services (MPS). Here’s how managed print services from Select Digital can cut costs for your business and free up your team to focus on what matters. 1. No More Guesswork - One Simple Monthly Bill With managed print, you get a clear monthly invoice that covers all your devices, toner, servicing, and support. That means no more surprise repair bills, no emergency toner runs, and no trying to keep track of different supplier contracts. Your budget stays predictable and under control. 2. Reduce Waste and Unnecessary Printing MPS includes basic print tracking and smart software that shows you exactly who is printing what - and when. You can set print rules, cut down on unnecessary colour or single-page jobs, and even prompt staff to print double-sided. Over time, this can cut your paper and toner usage by up to 30 percent. 3. Automatic Supply Replenishment Running out of toner at the wrong moment is frustrating and expensive. With managed print, your machines are monitored remotely, and supplies are shipped to you automatically before you run out. You’ll never be stuck with idle staff waiting for paper or toner to arrive. 4. Fewer Breakdowns, Less Downtime Regular maintenance is included in your plan, which means your printers and copiers are less likely to break down in the first place. If there is an issue, local support from Select Digital ensures fast repairs and minimal disruption to your workflow. 5. Consolidate Your Devices - Save on Energy and Space Most businesses have more printers than they actually need. Managed print providers can review your setup and recommend ways to streamline, like replacing old single-use machines with multifunction printers. You’ll save on electricity, reduce clutter, and cut back on those hard-to-track running costs. 6. Get Expert Advice Without the Extra Cost With MPS, you’re not just getting a printer - you’re getting a print partner. Select Digital keeps your business up to date with the latest technology, offers ongoing support, and helps you make smart choices that save you money over time. Ready to Take Control of Your Printing Costs? If you’re tired of unpredictable printing expenses or just want a better way to manage your office print setup, talk to Select Digital. Our managed print services are designed for Bathurst, Orange, and regional NSW businesses that want to work smarter and save more. Contact us today for a free print audit - and see how much your business could be saving.
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In today’s fast-paced business environment, efficiency and productivity are critical to success. That's why businesses need reliable and efficient multifunction printers (MFPs) that can handle their document management needs. The Ricoh IM3000, IM4000, and IM6000 are black and white MFPs that are designed to meet the demanding needs of modern offices. These printers offer a range of advanced features that enhance productivity and streamline workflows. They offer high-speed printing of up to 60 pages per minute, making them ideal for busy work environments where time is of the essence. With such high-speed printing capabilities, users can complete their printing tasks quickly and efficiently, freeing up valuable time to focus on other important tasks. One of the standout features of these MFPs is their advanced scanning capabilities. They offer single-pass duplex scanning, and file compression, which allows users to easily convert paper-based documents into digital files. This makes it easy to share documents with colleagues and clients, improving collaboration and communication. These MFPs also come with customisable user interfaces that allow users to customise the printer to meet their specific needs. This ensures that users can access frequently used features quickly and easily, which saves time and increases productivity. The Ricoh IM3000, IM4000, and IM6000 also come with advanced security features such as user authentication, data encryption, and secure printing. These features help protect sensitive information from unauthorized access, ensuring that confidential data is kept secure. If you're considering investing in these MFPs, look no further than Select Digital. We are a leading provider of managed print services, and we offer a comprehensive range of services to help businesses optimise their printing environments. Our services include Ricoh @Remote, which enables remote monitoring and automatic toner delivery, reducing the need for manual intervention and minimizing downtime. By partnering with Select Digital Supply, you can get the most out of your MFP. Our team of experts will work with you to customise a print solution that meets your specific needs, providing ongoing support to ensure optimal performance and maximum cost savings. The Ricoh IM3000, IM4000, and IM6000 are reliable and efficient black and white MFPs that offer a range of advanced features to enhance productivity, streamline workflows, and improve document management capabilities. With Select Digital managed print services, including Ricoh @Remote, you can maximize the benefits of these MFPs and achieve greater efficiency and cost savings in your office. So why wait? Invest in the Ricoh IM3000, IM4000, or IM6000 today and take your business to the next level. More Info
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