Systems vs. Process - is there a difference? Absolutely yes! As a manager, understanding the difference is essential. A process is a series of ordered activities that produce an end result. A system is a set of readily understood, integrated, adaptable activities that produce ongoing, consistent results.

The body has many brilliant examples of systems - respiratory, circulatory and nervous

Inhalation vs Respiratory system The best way to illustrate the difference between process and system, is with an example.  The body provides the best examples of systems. Inhaling is a process of the body.  A series of activities occur with the end result being the lungs are filled with air. However our respiratory system is so much more.  It doesn't have a start and end point, it is ongoing.  It is integrated with many of the other systems in the body, e.g. circulatory, nervous.  It is adaptable: it adjusts to our activities, emotional states.  In fact it meets all 5 key elements of our effective system definition: • Consistent result • Ongoing result • Readily understood • Adaptable • Integrated A recipe for failure A process is a part of a system, it is not a system.  This confusion between process and system is often why many systems fail.  Managers focus on the process only, forgetting other important system elements such as how to make the activity an ongoing one, how to build in adaptability and how to integrate the system into the other related parts of the business. Improve your systemising skills at our next systems training workshop. Or better still gather your team together and we can bring our systems workshop to you. More Systems Tips      Subscribe to our regular tips   Contact us now  Business Systems Tools River Empowerment Ltd provide the following Business Systems tools, training and consulting services: Consulting Consulting Programmes              Consulting Services                    Training Training Programmes                1 Day Workshops                           Speaking & Presenting           Tools Complimentary Management Tips                       Return to top