Inputs & Outputs
Inputs and outputs define how value flows through enterprise processes. Inputs represent the information, materials, or conditions required to perform a process, while outputs represent the results produced by that process.
Clearly defining inputs and outputs ensures consistency, traceability, and effective handoffs between processes, systems, and organizational units.
Purpose
Identifying inputs and outputs establishes a shared understanding of what a process requires to operate and what it delivers. This clarity supports accountability, quality control, and enterprise integration.
Process Inputs
Process inputs may include materials, data, approvals, specifications, or conditions necessary for execution. Inputs may originate from upstream processes, external parties, or governed systems.
Process Outputs
Process outputs represent the outcomes delivered to downstream processes, customers, or stakeholders. Outputs may include products, services, decisions, records, or verified states.
Handoffs and Dependencies
Inputs and outputs define handoffs between processes and process families. Clear definition of these handoffs reduces risk, prevents rework, and supports controlled execution across the enterprise.