Process frameworks are essentially lists of all the key processes performed in an organization, grouped hierarchically to show how they relate to each other. APQC’s Process Classification Framework (PCF)® is a reliable and robust framework used by hundreds of leading companies worldwide, but it’s just one type of process framework. Every other year APQC surveys process professionals to understand how they select and apply process frameworks, as well as the challenges and benefits associated with process frameworks. This blog highlights some key findings from the survey as well as from a recent roundtable I hosted with APQC members who utilize the PCF.
Shift in Selection Criteria
In 2019 and 2021, organizations focused on the breadth and depth of frameworks when selecting which one to use; however, in 2023 and 2025 there has been a clear shift to focusing on the inclusion of suggested KPIs and measures as well as industry-specificity when selecting a framework. In 2025, a new selection criterion appeared in the top five: alignment with processes in business software that’s in use. Given the rapid changes in digital tools and technologies, this new criterion is not a surprise. Instead, I am curious to understand what processes organizations are trying to align most often. For example, are they new processes centered around emerging technologies, or are they old processes that are now streamlined with the use of emerging technologies?
Applications Are Evolving
On the survey, we ask participants how they apply the framework. In both 2019 and 2021, process discovery was the number one application; however, in 2023 and 2025, the applications of process discovery have decreased and there is now a pretty even split between the number one application – performance improvement, and the now number two application – process discovery. Within performance improvement, organizations are focused on managing process improvement efforts and identifying process measures and KPIs. Those focused on process discovery are working to identify current processes and build process maps or models.
This shift in application leads me to believe that organizations have a stronger process foundation than they have in years past and are now focused on improving the current state versus simply documenting it.
What Your Peers Are Saying
In April, I hosted a roundtable that brought together APQC members to discuss their use, application, and challenges with process frameworks. It was a great conversation, and I wanted to highlight a few of the key themes discussed centered on the benefits and challenges of using a framework.
In line with the survey data, buy-in and engagement is a top challenge for process framework users. It has been the top implementation challenge for the fourth time in a row.
Roundtable participants discussed two common issues – one: selling the value of the framework, and two: “not invented here culture”. Organizations looking to increase the adoption of new behaviors should consider rewards and recognition, which includes the formal and informal incentives that encourage specific behaviors or performance. In APQC’s change management research, monetary rewards proved to be the most effective at motivating change. However, since people respond differently to incentives, it is important to incorporate a range of monetary and non-monetary forms of reward and recognition. View the full content collection to learn more about change management best practices.
Despite the challenges associated with frameworks, roundtable participants also noted benefits they realized with process frameworks, including process alignment. Additionally, process frameworks aid organizations in process prioritization for the strategic planning process. According to this year’s survey results, established transparency in processes is the number one benefit; followed by clarified communication across groups. Both were the same top two benefits as seen on the 2023 survey.
Frameworks have a variety of applications and challenges associated with implementation; however, the benefits realized typically outweigh the roadblocks organizations experience.
Learn More
If you’re looking to learn more about process frameworks and how organizations benefit from using them, view the full survey report and join me on the webinar June 17 at 1:00 p.m. CT where I’ll discuss the results in more detail.