
196 ◾ Improving Business Process Performance
from the process under consideration. Just like inputs, the customer can be as close
as the next process step or a customer external to your company, many miles away.
Processes are classified as either core or enabling. A core process is directly related
to generating revenue, providing products or services to a revenue- generating cus-
tomer, or creating a strategic advantage for the company. Typically, there are only four
to six core processes in a company, and they are made up of various major processes
and subprocesses. Typical core processes are sales and marketing, manufacturing/
fulfillment, ...