Introduction:
Traditionally, processes have been defined as series of transformations of inputs into outputs. The key characteristics of this description of a process are that transformation means adding creating value in one of three forms.
Model of the process:
This traditional view of ‘a process’ has got many shortcomings however. It fails to identify, amongst others, the following key points:
1. How can a typical process be determined?
2. Where the value does added activity start and where does it finish?
3. Where does process management and control take place?
Process documentation:
Each activity (process) has to be properly documented to include the following:
Process documentation by answering the above questions is vital if organisations are to achieve superior performance based on TQM philosophy. This effort (documentation) will reflect three main points:
Process improvement:
‘Process improvement is the continuous endeavor to learn about the cause-and-effect mechanisms in a process to change the process to reduce variation and complexity and improve customer satisfaction. Improvements are made through actions that are based on a better understanding of the cause system that affects process performance.’