When you design a process you do so for a reason.
In order to make that process work effectively you must therefore create some rules as to how the process is meant to work.
If you / your team don't follow these rules that you have created then you shouldn't be surprised when parts of your business fall over and need to be rescued.
So, there is a cyclical point in the management of processes where you need to ensure that you know what is happening.
No ifs, not buts, just a simple yes or no as to whether the rules are being followed.
Of course, you can change the rules when you need to, just make sure you're doing it for the right reasons.
Giles Johnston
Author of 'Business Process Re-Engineering', a practical plan to improve business performance.