How Power Equipment uses process mapping to bring structure and clarity across teams
Power Equipment is a regional distributor supporting teams across New Zealand and Australia. With a major system upgrade underway, the business needed to document existing processes, reduce segmentation, and help staff work more collaboratively.
We spoke with Sofie Tchernegovski, a long-time champion of process improvement at Power Equipment, about how they’re using ProcessPro to bring clarity and consistency to their operations.
What specific challenges or pain points were you experiencing before implementing the process mapping software?
We had a lot of segmentation between areas. Everyone was doing their own thing and not really knowing what the other person was doing. Things had been done the same way for so long. People were just doing what they’d always done.
The new system rollout really prompted the change. We had some long-standing team members, and we needed to get their processes out of their heads and documented. We also wanted to modernize and bring more efficiencies, especially around reporting and using technology.
What motivated you to seek out a process mapping solution? Were there any specific goals or objectives you wanted to achieve?
It’s something I’ve wanted for a long time. I first contacted James back in 2021. The goal was to get everything out of people’s heads and into clear documentation. It helps the business function better, especially when someone is away on leave. You don’t need to wait for them to come back. You just follow the process.
It’s also helped us think about how our departments link together. People are now asking, “How are we going to do that in the new system?” It’s prompted better conversations and collaboration.
Download a summary of the Power Equipment case study
How did you evaluate different process mapping software options? What factors were most important in your decision-making process?
We really ran it to ground. We put together a full proposal and looked at other tools, including free basic ones. We also looked at ProMapp, which I’ve used before.
ProcessPro came out on top when we weighed up everything — functionality, price, ease of use. The pricing for other tools was just ridiculous. We also knew what it was like dealing with those other companies, so we factored that in.
What benefits or improvements have you observed since implementing the process mapping software? Can you provide specific examples or metrics?
It’s helped highlight the processes we still need to document. We’ve put a post-it note on the wall for each one we need to do. There’s a lot.
In Australia, it’s helped the teams see how their departments connect. It’s forced collaboration. People are working together, saying, “Does this work for you?” It’s helped the flow of the business and made sure customers aren’t left waiting if someone is away.
One specific example is the warranty process. Before, it was clunky and mostly managed by one person. Now, with the value stream mapped, more people are involved and things are moving faster.
“I’ve been asking for this since 2021. It’s logical to use and helps bring structure where there wasn’t any.“
– Sofie Tchernegovski, Power Equipment
How has the software impacted collaboration and communication within your organization?
Massively. In New Zealand, it wasn’t such a big issue, but in Australia, it really was. Now they’re working together, stepping out what each person does, and making sure the process works across teams.
How has the software improved efficiency or productivity in your processes? Have you been able to identify any bottlenecks or areas for improvement that were previously overlooked?
It’s still early days, especially in Australia. But just thinking through the processes has helped. Even if we haven’t put everything into ProcessPro yet, it’s made us stop and think.
Over the last few years, we’ve already done a lot of streamlining. Now, with ProcessPro, it helps us onboard new staff more easily. They have a clear process to follow and aren’t left guessing.
How would you describe the overall user experience and ease of use of the process mapping software?
I struggled a bit until I did the training. Then it made sense. Once you know how to do things like link decisions or move tasks between activities, it’s fine. But you do need to play around with it.
We just got in and did it. We took turns building processes, learning as we went. Some of the Aussie team have really taken to it, which helps.
When processes are clearly mapped, teams can access the right information and make confident decisions anywhere.
What features or functionalities of the software have been most valuable to your organization?
I love value streams. Being able to step out a process at a high level, even without detail, really helped bring clarity. Just mapping the warranty process with no detail gave them a better understanding of how it should flow.
Also, attaching screenshots is really useful. You can see exactly what someone means when they say “it’s on the screen.” Naming the screenshot as you upload it saves time.
The Aussies also love the notes, though I personally find them a bit big compared to the process steps.
Are there any other comments that you would like to make?
It’s good that you’re constantly working on the system and listening to feedback. Some systems don’t change or take feedback on board. But with ProcessPro, you’re improving it all the time. That’s really appreciated.
I also like the responsiveness. I send a question and usually get a reply the same day. That makes a big difference.
How likely are you to recommend ProcessPro to another company?
I’ve been asking for this since 2021. That probably says it all. I’d definitely recommend it. It’s logical to use and helps bring structure where there wasn’t any.
James Ross
As the Founder and CEO, I’m passionate about all things process mapping and sharing my experience with our valued clients. I work closely with our teams to ensure that ProcessPro solves real, everyday process mapping problems.
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