What is a Process Owner?
A process owner is a central person within an organization who has overall responsibility for a specific business process. They know the process in detail, actively shape it and make the necessary decisions to ensure its effectiveness and efficiency. The process owner has the necessary expertise and authority to manage measures and implement changes.
Importance of the process owner
The process owner plays a key role in process management. They act as an interface between different departments and stakeholders and ensure that the process runs smoothly and delivers the desired results.
Their specialist knowledge enables them to identify weak points at an early stage, initiate improvements and ensure that the process meets the quality requirements and company objectives. He also plays a central role in certifications such as ISO 9001.
Tasks of the Process Owner
The tasks of the process owner are varied and decisive for process performance:
- Definition of the process
Definition of the process scope, objectives, results and relevant key figures. - Process design and documentation
Development and documentation of the process flow to create clarity for all parties involved. - Resource management
Ensuring that all required resources - human and material - are available. - Monitoring and control
Continuous monitoring of process progress; initiation of corrective measures in the event of deviations. - Continuous improvement
Analysis and optimization of the process based on performance data and feedback.
The process owner is also the main point of contact for all matters relating to the process and works closely with the departments involved.
The Process Owner and the ISO 9001 Standard
ISO 9001 is a globally recognized standard for quality management systems. Within this framework, the process owner is responsible for:
- Planning, implementation and control of the assigned process,
- Ensuring compliance with standards,
- Documentation and continuous improvement,
- Contribution to the achievement of quality and corporate goals.
A structured process with clear responsibilities is a central element of ISO 9001 - the process owner ensures its implementation.
Process Owner vs. Process Manager
What is the difference?
Although the terms are often used synonymously, they differ in their function:
Process Owner
- bears overall responsibility for the process
- designs, controls and improves the process
- Decides on changes and measures
Process owner
- is responsible for the operational implementation of individual tasks
- Executes process steps according to specifications
- implements and reports to the process owner
The process owner has the steering role, the process owner supports the practical implementation.
Conclusion
The process owner plays a key role in process management. They design, monitor and improve business processes, ensure their quality and make a significant contribution to achieving strategic goals.
In combination with systematic quality management - for example in accordance with ISO 9001 - the process owner makes a decisive contribution to efficiency, stability and customer satisfaction in the company.
A good process owner not only ensures a functioning process, but also sustainable process improvement for the benefit of the entire organization.