What are some data-driven methods for identifying process redundancies?

1 Process mapping

Process mapping is a technique that visualizes the steps, inputs, outputs, and roles involved in a process. It helps you to see the big picture, spot gaps, overlaps, and bottlenecks, and understand the dependencies and interactions between tasks. You can use different types of process maps, such as flowcharts, swimlane diagrams, or value stream maps, depending on your purpose and level of detail. To create a process map, you need to collect data from various sources, such as documents, interviews, observations, or software tools. You can use process mapping software or online platforms to create and share your process maps.

2 Process mining

Process mining is a technique that extracts and analyzes data from event logs generated by IT systems or applications. It helps you to discover the actual process execution, compare it with the desired process model, and detect deviations, variations, and inefficiencies. You can use process mining software or tools to import, filter, and visualize your event data, and apply different types of analysis, such as conformance, performance, or organizational. Process mining can help you to identify process redundancies that are caused by system errors, human errors, or non-standardized procedures.

3 Process simulation

Process simulation is a technique that creates a dynamic and realistic model of a process based on data and assumptions. It helps you to test and evaluate different scenarios, parameters, and outcomes, and measure the impact of changes on key performance indicators. You can use process simulation software or tools to build and run your process model, and adjust the variables, such as demand, capacity, resources, or costs. Process simulation can help you to identify process redundancies that are caused by overcapacity, underutilization, or unnecessary steps.

4 Process optimization

Process optimization is a technique that applies mathematical methods and algorithms to find the optimal solution for a process problem. It helps you to maximize or minimize a certain objective function, such as profit, quality, or customer satisfaction, subject to some constraints, such as budget, time, or regulations. You can use process optimization software or tools to define your problem, select your optimization method, such as linear programming, integer programming, or heuristic methods, and generate and compare the optimal solutions. Process optimization can help you to identify process redundancies that are caused by suboptimal decisions, trade-offs, or trade-offs.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?