Enterprise Architecture Series: The Ultimate Guide to Process Classification Frameworks

Processes are the backbone of any organisation. But how do you ensure they are structured, optimised, and benchmarked against industry best practices? This is where Process Classification Frameworks (PCFs) come into play.

Organisations across different industries use PCFs to standardise, improve efficiency, and drive digital transformation. However, selecting the right framework can be overwhelming given the number of options available.

In this article, I’ll break down the most widely used process frameworks, their applications, and how to determine the right fit for your business.

What Are Process Classification Frameworks?

A Process Classification Framework (PCF) is a structured model that defines and categorises business processes to ensure standardisation, efficiency, and benchmarking.

PCFs help organisations:

1. Standardise processes across teams, departments, and global operations.

2. Improve efficiency by identifying redundancies and bottlenecks.

3. Benchmark against industry peers for continuous improvement.

4. Support digital transformation by aligning processes with technology.

A Comprehensive List of Process Frameworks

I’ve listed and categorised 26 major PCFs into general frameworks and industry-specific models to help you navigate the options.

General & Cross-Industry Frameworks

• APQC Process Classification Framework (PCF) – A cross-industry standard for benchmarking, process improvement, and knowledge management.
• SCOR (Supply Chain Operations Reference Model) – A globally recognised model for supply chain management, covering Plan, Source, Make, Deliver, Return, Enable.
• VRM (Value Reference Model) – Extends SCOR to product lifecycle management and value chain optimisation.
• BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation) – A process modelling standard used to document and optimise business workflows.
• ISO 9001 Process Model – Focuses on quality management, ensuring consistent customer satisfaction and regulatory compliance.

Industry-Specific Process Frameworks

Telecommunications & IT

• eTOM (Enhanced Telecom Operations Map) – The go-to framework for telecommunications service providers, covering fulfilment, assurance, and billing.
• ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) – Defines best practices for IT service management (ITSM).
• COBIT (Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies) – A framework for IT governance, compliance, and risk management.

Finance & Banking

• BCBS 239 – Defines risk data aggregation and reporting for financial institutions.
• BIAN (Banking Industry Architecture Network) – A banking service model defining financial business capabilities and processes.
• IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) Process Model – Ensures standardised financial reporting.

Manufacturing & Supply Chain

• SAP Best Practices for Manufacturing & Supply Chain – ERP-based process models for manufacturers and logistics providers.
• ISA-95 – Defines integration between business operations and industrial automation.
• Lean & Six Sigma DMAIC Framework – A structured method for process optimisation and defect reduction.

Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals

• HL7 Business Process Framework – Facilitates healthcare interoperability and data exchange.
• ISO 13485 – Defines medical device quality management processes.
• GAMP (Good Automated Manufacturing Practice) – Focuses on pharmaceutical and biotech industry compliance.

Retail & E-Commerce

• NRF ARTS (National Retail Federation Process Model) – A framework for retail operations and omni-channel strategy.
• UN/CEFACT – Defines global e-commerce and trade process standards.

Energy & Utilities

• CIM (Common Information Model) – A framework for utility companies and energy providers.
• OGRM (Oil and Gas Reference Model) – Standardises processes in oil and gas production and distribution.

Government & Public Sector

• FEAF (Federal Enterprise Architecture Framework) – Defines business process models for government agencies.
• TOGAF Business Architecture – Provides structured capability and process models for enterprise transformation.

Emerging & Specialised Process Models

• GDPR Process Model – Helps organisations align with privacy and data protection regulations.
• CMMI (Capability Maturity Model Integration) – A framework for process maturity and continuous improvement.
• BIZBOK (Business Architecture Body of Knowledge) – Defines business capabilities and process structures for enterprise-wide transformation.

Why Include BPMN and Similar Frameworks?

While BPMN, Lean Six Sigma, and TOGAF are not traditional Process Classification Frameworks (PCFs) like APQC or eTOM, I’ve included them because they play a crucial role in process definition, optimisation, and execution.

BPMN provides a standardised notation for modelling and visualising processes, making it a critical tool for organisations that need clarity, automation, and process orchestration.

Lean Six Sigma is widely used for process improvement, helping businesses eliminate waste and improve efficiency—making it a key complementary methodology to any PCF.

TOGAF Business Architecture ensures that process frameworks align with enterprise architecture strategies, enabling organisations to bridge the gap between business process design and IT implementation.

Even though these are not PCFs in the traditional sense, they provide essential structure and guidance for organisations looking to operationalise and optimise their processes—which is why they deserve a mention in any discussion on process frameworks.

Your thoughts?

How to Choose the Right Process Framework for Your Organisation

Selecting the right Process Classification Framework (PCF) is a strategic decision that depends on multiple factors. While no single framework fits all organisations, considering the following three key aspects will help you make an informed choice:

1. Consider Your Industry

Different industries have unique operational models, compliance requirements, and best practices. Selecting an industry-specific framework ensures that your business aligns with recognised standards and adopts proven methodologies.

Telecommunications: eTOM (Enhanced Telecom Operations Map)

• If you're in telecom, eTOM is the industry gold standard. It helps service providers manage their end-to-end business operations, from network provisioning to customer care. For example, if a telecom company wants to improve service activation times, eTOM provides a structured approach to optimise fulfilment processes.

Banking & Finance: BIAN (Banking Industry Architecture Network)

• Banks and financial institutions operate in a highly regulated environment. BIAN defines modular banking business capabilities that support core banking transformations, such as moving from legacy systems to digital-first banking. If a bank wants to modernise loan processing, BIAN provides a framework to map and optimise the process.

Supply Chain & Logistics: SCOR (Supply Chain Operations Reference Model)

• If your company deals with global supply chains, SCOR helps standardise processes related to planning, sourcing, manufacturing, logistics, and returns. Companies like DHL, Amazon, and Maersk rely on SCOR to optimise inventory flow and reduce operational costs.

Retail & E-Commerce: NRF ARTS (National Retail Federation Process Model)

• Retailers operating in omni-channel environments need a framework that aligns brick-and-mortar operations with e-commerce. NRF ARTS helps businesses design customer journeys, POS integration, and supply chain fulfilment models.

Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals: HL7 & ISO 13485

• If you work in healthcare, HL7 standardises electronic health record (EHR) interoperability, while ISO 13485 ensures compliance in medical device manufacturing.

Energy & Utilities: CIM & OGRM

• Energy companies require grid modernisation and sustainability practices. CIM helps utilities integrate smart grids, while OGRM is used in oil and gas exploration and production.

2. Identify Your Use Case

Once you've narrowed down industry-specific options, consider why you need a process framework. Different frameworks serve different objectives:

Benchmarking & Performance Measurement: APQC PCF

• If you want to measure your business process maturity against industry benchmarks, APQC PCF provides detailed KPIs for processes like finance, HR, customer service, and IT. This is particularly useful for multinational companies looking to harmonise operations across global teams.

Process Improvement & Operational Excellence: Lean Six Sigma & CMMI

• If your goal is continuous improvement, methodologies like Lean Six Sigma (for waste reduction and efficiency optimisation) or CMMI (for capability maturity in software development) provide structured approaches.

IT & Service Management: ITIL & COBIT

• If you manage IT services or digital transformation, ITIL offers a well-defined structure for IT service management (ITSM), while COBIT ensures governance, compliance, and cybersecurity standards are met.

3. Think About Integration

If your organisation is undergoing digital transformation, selecting a framework that aligns with your technology stack and ERP implementation is critical.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Implementation: SAP Best Practices

• If you're implementing an SAP S/4HANA solution, following SAP Best Practices ensures that your processes align with pre-configured industry-specific workflows, reducing implementation risks.

Business Process Management (BPM) & Automation: BPMN & TOGAF

• If your organisation is adopting process automation, BPMN provides a visual modelling language for process workflows, while TOGAF Business Architecture helps integrate BPM strategies into enterprise architecture.

By following these steps, you’ll ensure that your chosen Process Classification Framework (PCF) adds real business value instead of being just another theoretical model.

Final Thoughts

Process frameworks are not just theoretical models—they drive real business value. Whether you’re looking to standardise, optimise, or innovate, choosing the right framework can set your organisation up for success.

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