Process Hierarchy

The process hierarchy defines how enterprise work is structured across multiple levels of detail. It establishes a common language for describing processes from high-level business intent down to execution-level activities.

This hierarchy ensures consistency in how processes are defined, governed, and communicated across the organization, while preventing confusion between architecture, procedures, and work instructions.

Purpose

The process hierarchy provides a standardized framework for organizing enterprise processes. It enables clear separation between strategic structure, operational flow, and detailed execution.

Hierarchy Levels

The Enterprise Business Process Architecture is organized into the following hierarchical levels:

Enterprise Process Model (Level 0): The complete set of processes required to operate the business.
Process Families (Level 1): Major domains of enterprise activity grouped by functional intent.
End-to-End Processes (Level 2): Cross-functional process flows that deliver defined outcomes.
Sub-Processes (Level 3): Logical groupings of related activities within an end-to-end process.
Activities & Tasks (Level 4): Discrete units of work performed to execute a process.

Relationship to Procedures and Work Instructions

Procedures, work instructions, forms, and system configurations exist below the process hierarchy. These artifacts define how work is executed but do not define the process structure itself.

Governance Implications

Governance, ownership, and control requirements are applied at appropriate levels of the hierarchy based on risk, regulatory impact, and business criticality. Higher-level processes establish intent and accountability, while lower levels define execution detail.