System follows Process follows Strategy

What exactly does this mean?
System follows Process follows Strategy

The concept of “System follows Process follows Strategy” describes the close alignment of business strategy, business processes and the systems that support them. It highlights how a well-considered strategy shapes processes and how systems effectively support and improve those processes. Let’s explore this approach step by step.

Step one

Strategy defines Process

Processes are derived from strategy

  • What does this mean? Once processes have been defined, technical systems should be developed or selected to support them. This means designing systems that align with the defined workflows and make them more efficient.
  • Why does this matter? Systems tailored precisely to process requirements can fully support workflows without introducing unnecessary complexity. This leads to greater efficiency and better results.
Example

A company looking to strengthen its market leadership in customer service develops processes that deliver fast, high-quality support. These processes are designed to maximise customer satisfaction in line with its strategic objective.

Step two

Process guides System

Systems are guided by processes

  • What does this mean? Once implemented, systems can positively influence and improve existing processes. New features and automation enabled by the system can lead to process improvements.
  • Why does this matter? Implementing modern systems often creates new opportunities to make processes more efficient and encourages the company to rethink and optimise existing workflows.
Example

 A company looking to digitalise its customer service processes selects a CRM system specifically tailored to the requirements of fast, high-quality support

Step three

System influences Process

Systems improve and shape processes

  • What does this mean? Once implemented, systems can positively influence and improve existing processes. New features and automation enabled by the system can lead to process improvements.
  • Why does this matter? Implementing modern systems often creates new opportunities to make processes more efficient and encourages the company to rethink and optimise existing workflows
Example

After introducing the new CRM system, the company discovers that it can analyse customer data in real time. This leads to a redesign of the customer service process, making it more proactive and data-driven.

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How "System follows Process follows Strategy" contributes to your success

The principle of “System follows Process follows Strategy” emphasises the continuous interaction between business strategy, business processes and supporting systems. It starts with a clear strategy that defines processes, which in turn determine system requirements. These systems then influence and improve the processes, creating a dynamic cycle that ensures the company remains efficient, competitive and aligned with its strategic objectives.

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