Process artifacts do not describe rules or instructions. They exist because work was performed and recorded. They show that required actions actually happened.
Before review, these items are artifacts. After review and acceptance, they become evidence.
Why it exists
Organizations often define what should happen through policies, plans, processes, and procedures. Process artifacts are how organizations prove that those expectations are being met in practice.
Auditors and assessors rely heavily on process artifacts to confirm that documented requirements are not just theoretical.
What a process artifact usually looks like
Process artifacts are typically created as a result of completing work. They may be generated by people, systems, or a combination of both.
Common characteristics:
- Tied to a specific policy, plan, process, or procedure
- Captures completion, approval, or execution
- Often timestamped or versioned
- May include names, roles, or system identifiers
Common examples
- Completed checklists
- Signed policy acknowledgments
- Training attendance records
- Background check results
- Incident reports
- Change approval records
- Meeting minutes from required review meetings
- Tickets showing task completion
How to use process artifacts
Upload process artifacts to demonstrate that required activities were performed.
Link them to the relevant policy, process, procedure, or plan when possible.
Review process artifacts to confirm they meet requirements and accept them as evidence.
Common confusion
Process Artifact vs Policy
A policy defines what must happen.
A process artifact proves that it did happen.
Process Artifact vs Procedure
A procedure explains how to perform a task.
A process artifact shows the task was completed.
Process Artifact vs Configuration Artifact
A process artifact proves an activity occurred.
A configuration artifact proves a technical setting or state exists.