Procedures -v- Processes

Once again, there are no real differences in the real world but in quality management systems there are a number of intents surrounding these two.  Procedures are a set of instructions in a prescribed format and order giving the reader an understanding of how a number of different processes interact.

Whilst a process is an implied rule or understanding of a particular activity or set of activities. 
In the certification world, it is normally accepted that procedures are documented in some manner.  ISO 9001 only requires 6 documented procedures. 

However, the standard also asks that 15 types of quality management systems records are generated to verify the effectiveness of a quality management system.  But you cannot generate a records of an activity unless there was a process generating that record.  So instead of documenting a procedure describing how that record is generated, all a quality management system needs to do is demonstrate the process is understood and applied uniformly in order to generate the desired records demonstrating effectiveness.  What a mouthful!

In other words, if the process is simple, the staff competent and the records readily retrievable and demonstrable of desired outcomes, you don't need to write a procedure.  But there are other reasons, like to help in knowledge preservation, succession planning and training resources.  But as always, that is up to you, your business and your risk profiles.