Macro-Process

A macro-process is a mid-level collection of processes. They are often the major activities of organizational functions within the enterprise and can be a collection of micro-processes that may also receive inputs from other macro-processes.

A perspective on process is key to understanding value streams. A process is a string of inputs and events that produce an output. There are various levels of processes, from micro to macro to mega.

• A micro-process is a short chain of inputs, events and outputs where it is relatively easy to understand what is or should be happening.
• A macro-process is a mid-level collection of processes. Final assembly, accounts payable, demand planning and recruiting are macro-processes. Each is comprised of several or even hundreds of micro-processes.
• A mega-process is a combination of many macro-processes. Typical mega-processes are manufacturing, marketing, engineering or even organizations, business units or divisions and plants. Mega-process results are measured by metrics such as sales, profit, return-on-net-assets, and so on. If something is right or wrong with a mega-process output, it is nearly impossible (even for insiders) to understand exactly which micro and macro-processes are responsible.