Quality Leadership

What is the best way to improve a process? Let's look at processing an order.

1. Always start with a process map. It does not have to be detailed yet. Show all functions involved in handling or performing activities on the item involved.
Meet as a team with each function represented. Discuss what is being done and why. Get everyone to agree to track the processing time.
Now to continue....
2nd Example: Improving the processing of Sales Orders. Start when received by your organization. List the function that receives it and the date and time received. Have each function involved record the date and time received and when it leaves their function. Repeat this for all functions until the Sales Order is acknowledged to the customer.
3rd Review the processing time for each function. Determine where the most time is spent.
4th complete a detailed process map on the area with the most time. This will allow an analysis of the process that consumes the most time. Normally the majority of time is delay time. The item being processes is just waiting to be worked on.
5th Determine if any steps can be taken to reduce the delay.
6. Implement the change
7. Monitor the results.
8 If more improvements are necessary, complete steps 4 thru 8 till the desired improvements are achieved.

This approach prevents valuable time being lost when every function involved is required to map their process before improvements are started.

Also a process will show improvement when it is being investigated. This is called the Hawthorne Effect. It is very common. The only issue is the observed improvements may not be maintained when attention is no longer on the process.

Try this approach and communicate your results to me.

Remember to recognize every individual and request and respect everyone's ideas and suggestions.

This is an outline of an approach
I have used many times. I may have left out some details. If you have questions ask and I will respond.

Improve Now and for the Future.

Regards, Tom B.