The 70/20/10 Rule in Business Process Classification

Business processes are essential for organizational efficiency, and they can be classified into three key categories based on the 70/20/10 rule in Business Process Classification.

✅ Primary Processes (20%)

These processes directly deliver value to customers by ensuring that products and services meet customer expectations. Examples include:

• Product Delivery – Ensuring timely fulfillment of customer orders.
• Customer Service – Addressing customer concerns and enhancing satisfaction.

✅ Support Processes (70%)

Support processes enable primary processes by providing necessary resources, planning, and infrastructure. Examples include:

• IT Services – Maintaining and securing digital infrastructure.
• Human Resources – Recruiting, training, and managing employees.
• Procurement – Sourcing raw materials and managing supplier relationships.

✅ Management Processes (10%)

These processes monitor, control, and optimize business operations, ensuring compliance and efficiency. Examples include:

• Budgeting – Allocating financial resources effectively.
• Risk Management – Identifying and mitigating potential business risks.

The BPM CBOK® Framework

The Business Process Management Common Body of Knowledge (BPM CBOK®) is a valuable framework for BPM professionals. It classifies processes based on their role in value creation, helping organizations align their operations strategically.

PMBOK® Process Classification Example

Applying the 70/20/10 rule to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK®), we can classify its 49 processes:

• Primary: Validate Scope – Ensuring project deliverables meet stakeholder needs.
• Support: Develop Schedule – Structuring project timelines for execution.
• Management: Perform Integrated Change Control – Managing modifications to project scope.

Why Business Process Classification Matters

Understanding these classifications helps organizations:

• Optimize resource allocation.
• Improve operational efficiency.
• Align processes with business goals.
• Enhance customer satisfaction.

Key Takeaways for BPM Professionals

As BPM professionals, mastering business process classification enables us to:

• Design and refine workflows that drive value.
• Analyze inefficiencies in support and management processes.
• Implement best practices for business process improvement.

Internal & External Resources for BPM Excellence

• The BPM CBOK® Guide
• PMBOK® Overview

Conclusion

The 70/20/10 rule is a crucial framework for understanding business processes. By categorizing activities into primary, support, and management processes, organizations can streamline operations and maximize value creation.