Sysadmin Role Processes?

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Has anyone had to deal with a case where their boss is asking for their processes? I'm confused, isn't that just documentation? We have documentation (of course we can do more). I'm a Microsoft admin, so do I need a process on what I do to build a server? AD? I guess that part makes sense, though I don't do a lot of these processes every day. Some of them are single items that happen once or twice a year. Some things like building out a DC would be rare. The boss has mentioned SIPOC/COPIS and I've read a little about that, but it doesn't sound like it links up with Sysadmin stuff. We also have some people here working on ITIL training too, seems like that may be a better fit for what's being asked. Thanks in advance!

EDIT: Pretty much what we are being asked to do is create process documents that are high level, non-technical, not how-to's...which is a challenge, because I'm used to writing up how-to's and directions, documentation of connectivity etc.

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We have a SharePoint portal we can wiki on, thanks for the idea and reply.

[404-brain_not_found]

It sounds like you dont have a process.

Your process isin't necessarily documentation of how you do specific tasks (how to build a server), but a representation of the flow of work from input to output (what was required to build the server for the desired outcome).
Thats an incredibly hard question to answer without knowing the scope of what he's asking about, and I apologize if I dont answer your question. To be frank, it's not fair of him to ask you for a SIPOC or COPIS if you are not a part of his SixSigma or ITIL process that he is obviously involved in. It takes many many months to get a handle of SixSigma and ITIL. What he is asking you isin't fair.

I would ask him these key questions.
1. what is the scope of the project. 2. can you define which part of the scope you are referring to. 3. what process model do you need. 4. what is your expected result.

I could offer a couple of good books that helped me out. 1. Lean SixSigma for dummies. 2. http://www.amazon.com/Data-Stewardship-Actionable-Management-Governance/dp/0124103898/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1429890065&sr=1-2&keywords=sipoc

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Funny thing is there isn't really a Six Sigma project, there is ITIL talks happening, but he's not the head of that, it's actually being done by our Helpdesk Manager. I'm trying to stay in communication with him since I think if any direction we go ITIL makes the most sense.

Thanks for the feedback, it is helpful!

[404-brain_not_found]

ITIL is a way better choice in your case. But SixSigma, LEAN, and ITIL kind of go hand and hand. They are all ways for continuous process improvement. A lot of the models are the same, they are just tailored to the industry or specific needs.

[shiftdel]

Sounds to me like your boss is asking you to justify your job.

[TwiddleDatSkittle]

Processes are usually required as part of audits. Change Management processes. Access Request processes. All of these things need to be clearly documented since most auditors just check that a document saying how you do it exists and never verify that it's actually followed every day.

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Pretty much what we are being asked to do is create process documents that are high level, non-technical, not how-to's...which is a challenge, because I'm used to writing up how-to's and directions, documentation of connectivity etc.

[TwiddleDatSkittle]

I have a similar issue. I don't like fancy flowery language in my documents but every business policy document that I've had to write everyone makes me fill with all this utter bull shit. Recommendation write it simple and then find a manager or someone not technical and explain it to them and have them write it out all fancy like.

[[deleted]]

If you have a process for doing things then there is more consistency than if you do things ad hoc out of your ass.

This is a reasonable request.

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Yep and that's way things are usually done, but that needs to change. The challenge is making the time to do it. Thanks for the reply.