Glossary of Process Optimization and Automation Terms

  1. Overview
  2. Process Optimization, Automation, & AI
  3. Glossary of Process Optimization and Automation Terms
💡 Note that this is a general list of terms and definitions. Different industries and businesses may have their own.

Process optimization - The practice of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of a business process.

Automation - The use of technology to perform tasks without human intervention.

Business process management (BPM) - The practice of designing, analyzing, and improving business processes to increase efficiency and effectiveness.

Workflow automation - The use of technology to automate the flow of tasks and approvals within a business process.

Robotics process automation (RPA) - A type of automation that uses software robots to automate repetitive, rule-based tasks.

Machine learning - A type of artificial intelligence that allows systems to learn and improve from data without being explicitly programmed.

Artificial intelligence (AI) - The simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans.

Natural language processing (NLP) - A subfield of AI that focuses on the interactions between computers and human languages.

Optical character recognition (OCR) - A type of technology that allows computers to recognize and extract text from images and documents.

Business process reengineering (BPR) - A management strategy that involves redesigning business processes from the ground up to achieve significant improvements in efficiency and effectiveness.

Business process outsourcing (BPO) - The practice of outsourcing business processes to a third-party provider.

Total quality management (TQM) - A management approach that emphasizes continuous improvement and the involvement of all employees in the quality improvement process.

Six Sigma - A data-driven methodology used to improve the quality and efficiency of business processes.

Lean methodology - A management approach that emphasizes the elimination of waste and the pursuit of continuous improvement.

Kaizen - A Japanese term that refers to continuous improvement, often used in the context of lean management.

Kanban - A scheduling system that visualizes the flow of work and is often used in lean management.

Value stream mapping - A visualization tool used to map the flow of materials and information in a business process.

Root cause analysis - A method used to identify the underlying causes of a problem in order to prevent it from happening again.

Process mapping - A visual representation of the steps and activities involved in a business process.

Process flowchart - A diagram that shows the steps and decision points in a business process.

Process simulation - The use of computer modeling to simulate and analyze the performance of a business process.

Key performance indicators (KPIs) - Metrics used to measure the performance of a business process and track progress towards goals.

Business process modeling notation (BPMN) - A standard notation used to model and communicate business processes.

Event-driven process chain (EPC) - A notation used to model and analyze business processes in a graphical format.

Process mining - The use of data mining techniques to extract insights and improve the efficiency of business processes.

Robust process design - The practice of designing processes that are resistant to variations and able to adapt to changing conditions.

Process control - The use of tools and techniques to monitor and control the performance of a business process.

Process audit - An examination of a business process to assess its efficiency and effectiveness.

Process improvement plan - A plan that outlines the steps and actions needed to improve a business process.

Continuous improvement - An ongoing process of making incremental improvements to a business process.


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