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. Business Systems Links The benefits of systems The ONLY purpose of a business system  What is a system?  5 Ways to get the work done  What to systemise? The 3 biggest systemising mistakes to avoid  How to make systemising easier Systemising for better results Two magic systemising words Does the job description really matter  Business Systems Tools For more practical ideas subscribe to our newsletter now. Business Systems Tools River Empowerment Ltd provide the following Business Systems tools, training and consulting services: Consulting Services Training           Return to top