What is the main purpose of a Process Definition Document (PDD)?

The main purpose of a Process Definition Document (PDD) is to describe the manual process that is to be automated. This document serves as a foundational reference that captures the intricate details of the existing manual process, including its steps, inputs, outputs, and any exceptions or variations.

By thoroughly documenting the current process, the PDD provides clarity and serves multiple stakeholders involved in automation—ensuring everyone understands how the manual process operates. It helps developers and business analysts identify which aspects of the process can be automated, enabling them to design and develop a solution that aligns closely with business needs. The PDD lays the groundwork for the entire automation project, significantly contributing to successful implementation by ensuring that the nuances of the manual process are well understood before transitioning to automation.

This foundational understanding is crucial as automation should faithfully replicate necessary steps from the manual process while also identifying opportunities for improvements or efficiency gains.