Process

A set of interrelated work activities characterized by a set of specific inputs and value added tasks that make up a procedure for a set of specific outputs.

Process Average Quality

Expected or average value of process quality.

Process Capability

A statistical measure of the inherent process variability for a given characteristic. The most widely accepted formula for process capability is six sigma.

Process Capability Index

The value of the tolerance specified for the characteristic divided by the process capability. The several types of process capability indexes include the widely used Cpk and Cp.

Process Control

The methodology for keeping a process within boundaries; minimizing the variation of a process.

Process Improvement

The application of the plan-do-study-act (PDSA) philosophy to processes to produce positive improvement and better meet the needs and expectations of customers (see "plan-do-check-act cycle").

Process Improvement Team

A structured environment often made up of cross functional members who work together to improve a process or processes.

Process Kaizen

Improvements made at an individual process or in a specific area. Sometimes called "point kaizen."

Process Management

The pertinent techniques and tools applied to a process to implement and improve process effectiveness, hold the gains and ensure process integrity in fulfilling customer requirements.

Process Map

A type of flowchart depicting the steps in a process, with identification of responsibility for each step and the key measures.

Process Owner

The person who coordinates the various functions and work activities at all levels of a process, has the authority or ability to make changes in the process as required and manages the entire process cycle to ensure performance effectiveness.

Process Performance Management (PPM)

The overseeing of process instances to ensure their quality and timeliness. Can also include proactive and reactive actions to ensure a good result.

Process Quality

The value of percentage defective or of defects per hundred units in product from a given process. Note: The symbols "p" and "c" are commonly used to represent the true process average in fraction defective or defects per unit; and "l00p" and "100c" the true process average in percentage defective or in defects per hundred units.

Process Reengineering

A strategy directed toward major rethinking and restructuring of a process; often referred to as the "clean sheet of paper" approach.

Benefits of Process Thinking

• Generates Sustained Success: Process Thinking creates the skills and culture for constant innovation within an organization.
• Sets a performance goal for everyone: Process Thinking helps to get everyone working together in the same direction and focusing on a common goal.
• Enhances value to customers: Delivering “good” or “defect-free” products and services will not guarantee success. The focus on customers at the heart of Process Thinking means learning what value means to customers and planning how to deliver it to them profitably.
• Promotes Learning: Process Thinking is an approach that increases and accelerates the development and sharing of new ideas throughout an organization.
• Provides consistent control of process: Many business decisions are still being based on opinions and assumptions. Six Sigma discipline begins by clarifying and defining what measures are key to gauging business performance; then it applies data and analysis to build an understanding of key variables and optimize results.

Sample Projects

• Reduce payroll processing error rate over a time period applying process mapping methodologies
• Improve packing operation throughput while reducing cost per package
• Develope and implemented Six-Sigma Training/Simulation Program for executives and working supervisors
• Reduce labor standard processing time by streamlining the time study process using the Six Sigma’s DMIAC approach
• Improve stock operation throughput by eliminating Non-Value Added activities from the merchandise picking and sorting processes
• Designe user-friendly control chart system to track measures and control processes

Deming Cycle

Resources