How do processes and tools help developers and project stakeholders?

Here are some initial thoughts:

1) Helping the free flow of information between technical and business communities
2) Providing automation to reduce effort
3) Doing the tedious book keeping (e.g. what is in a baseline, when was a change released, what version went into a build etc)

The desired outcome is improved quality, reduced cost and satisfied customers.

Please pitch in with your ideas and thoughts....