Tuesday 18 February 2025

Quality One Australia

Process Improvement

 

Quality One Process Improvement

Process Improvement  Process Improvement Consulting  Process Improvement Facilitation   Process Improvement Training  

What is Process Improvement What Is Process Improvement
How Process Improvement is Conducted How Process Improvement is conducted
Process Maturity Process Maturity
Process Improvement Training Process Improvement Training
Process Improvement Consulting Process Improvement Consulting

Process Improvement Home What Is Process Improvement

Process improvement can occur in many forms but is primarily the business practice of identifying, analysing and improving existing business processes with the goal of optimising performance and efficiency according regulatory standards, industry standards, internal requirements and end consumer customer requirements. Process metrics become the driver and mechanism for reporting the level and success of the process requiring improvement.

Process improvement can have several guises such as business process management (BPM), business process improvement (BPI), business process re-engineering, continuous improvement and can often be part of a broader program such as Business Transformation, Lean Six Sigma, Kaizen and so on. Regardless of the nomenclature, the purpose is to minimize errors and rejects, reduce waste, improve productivity, streamline efficiency and do more with less.

Process Improvement Home How Process Improvement is conducted

Process Improvement can be conducted by using any combination of the following tools and programs amongst others:

  • 5S Programs
    • The 5S Method is a standardized process that when properly implemented creates and maintains an organized, safe, clean and efficient workplace. Improved visual controls are implemented as part of 5S to make any process non-conformance’s obvious and easily detectable. 5S is often one element of a larger Lean initiative and promotes continuous improvement.
  • As Is To Be
    • mapping and analysis of current state translated to future state and the required results using business process modelling techniques.
  • Cause and Effect Analysis
    • involves using a diagrammatic method to identifying the problem cause and potential cause chains that can lead to improvements in a process.
  • Characteristics Matrix
    • is a tool that studies the impact of requirements of a process (and product) against the process steps to identify potential steps of failure and determining if controls exist or are required.
    • Process Improvement Characteristics Matrix
  • EIMS - ORA
  • IATF16949
    • with ISO9001 as a base IATF16949 (formerly TS16949) is a standard that establishes the requirements for a Quality Management System (QMS), specifically for the automotive sector. The ISO/TS 16949 was originally created in 1999 to harmonize different assessment and certification schemes worldwide in the supply chain for the automotive sector.
  • ISO9001
    • A proven Quality Management System development and implementation approach should be used based on project management methodologies. A structured approach should be used for defining project plans, specific responsibilities and verification of results. The result will be a development and implementation strategy that is more efficient and provides for first time compliance or registration to the ISO 9001 requirements.
  • Kaizen
    • is more than just a methodology for continuous improvement. It is not a specific tool or set of tools to improve quality. Kaizen is a journey and not a destination. The objective of Kaizen is to improve productivity, reduce waste, eliminate unnecessary hard work and humanize the workplace. Kaizen is effective at identifying the three basic types of waste: Muda, Mura and Muri. Kaizen philosophy empowers everyone to assume responsibility for their processes and improve them. With Kaizen, workers at all levels of the organization are engaged in constantly watching for and identifying opportunities for change and improvement. Kaizen is not just a one-time event; more precisely, it is a process that occurs every day.
  • Kanban
    • is a tool for process workflow visualization
  • Lean Six Sigma Programs
  • PDCA
    • Plan Do Check Act or Plan Do Study Act - is an iterative-continuous four-step management method used in business for the control and continuous improvement of processes and products. Also known as the Shewhart-Deming cycle. The PDCA cycle has alignment with other continuous improvement methodologies including DMAIC.
  • Problem Solving
    • the process undertaken to find solutions to complex or difficult issues by taking an analytical approach using scientific methods. Effective problem solving requires the issue to be recognized and fully understood by the problem solver(s). Various problem solving methods and tools can be used to drive down to the root cause of the issue and take appropriate corrective actions to not only fix the problem, but to ensure it does not re-occur. There are many problem solving tools and approaches that are all effective if used properly of which some are listed on this page.
  • Process Mapping
  • RCA
    • Root Cause Analysis - is a comprehensive term encompassing a collection of problem solving methods used to identify the real cause of a non-conformance or quality problem. Root Cause Analysis is the process of defining, understanding and solving a problem. The root cause has also been described as an underlying or fundamental cause of a non-conformance, defect or failure and root cause analysis the process to remove, reduce and eliminate the root cause of a particular effect.
  • SIPOC
    • analysis occurs during the “define and measure” stage of DMAIC or DMADV cycle. SIPOC helps organizations define the inputs and outputs of a process which can help with cause and effect analysis and impact studies in process management.
    • SIPOC
  • Total Quality Management (TQM)
    • is focused on cultivating long-term success through customer satisfaction. TQM helps organisations get the entire company on board with continuous process improvement. It’s a methodology that empowers workers by fostering a culture where employees are encouraged to drive process improvement as a shared business goal.
  • VSM
    • Value Stream Mapping - a form of process mapping used to document, analyse and improve the flow of materials and information required to produce a product or provide a service. Value Stream Mapping defines and illustrates the sequence of activities, and the flow of materials and resources required to produce a product or provide a service. There is a significant difference in the format of process mapping/flows and value stream in level of resolution, focus and application. Value Stream Mapping is most often associated with manufacturing processes. In reality, it is currently being utilized in logistics applications, software development, office processes, healthcare and other service-related industries.

Despite a common objective of process improvement, each methodology or tool suits different needs. Some frameworks focus on lean process improvement techniques; others focus on getting your company culture while others focus on process metrics and process maturity for process improvement.

Process Improvement Home Process Maturity

Process Maturity follows the structure of discovering the current or As Is State to ascertain the level of process maturity in the organisation from a personnel, process and data perspective and is key to sound process improvement. Products and Services can be considered outcomes or outputs of processes within the business. The warranty/customer feedback, SPC product characteristic data and service AQLs are the process measures that can deliver the data on products and services – all contribute to the level of process maturity and assuring a positive process improvement program.

Implementing and Developing Process Maturity is delivered by:


The Process Maturity Score defines the level of maturity of individual processes and escalates to an overall score for the organisation. The process maturity score is based on the results of the process maturity survey and the As Is state and can be a progressive score that is updated after process actions are delivered from gap analysis, audit actions and continuous improvement programs etc in a process improvement program. The higher the score the less likely any non conformances or observations will occur in an audit.

In a well developed mature management system that delivers to Personnel, Process and Data the process score can be calculated as part of the electronic driven management system as a continuous audit process enhancing any continuous and process improvement program fulfilling Clause 10 in 9001:2015 – Improvement.

The process maturity score is calculated by using data on the presence of key process elements across all levels of the process hierarchy determining the levels of maturity for personnel, process and data. In a process improvement program the process maturity of the process is also overlaid with the Organisational Risk Profile which determines the importance of each element to the organisation and the process risk levels and maturity score of the process to deliver the level of importance of each process and any gaps that exist within it. This is the basis of process improvement opportunities.

Personnel, process and data considerations within the process maturity score include but are not limited to:
  • All skills captured for all personnel
  • Each process having a SIPOC view
  • Process maps for each process at the instructional level
  • KPI being attached to process
  • Process Risk being calculated for each process
  • Personnel roles being rated in terms of risk
  • IDP (Individual Development Plans) for personnel created on the basis of risk in process and personnel roles

For assistance in implementing a Process Maturity within a process improvement program and culture please contact us via our contact page.

Process Improvement Home Process Improvement Training

Process Improvement should be an ongoing goal and objective for all organisations. Sound process improvement comes from a bedrock of solid process maturity existing within the organisation. At Quality One we see this as a cornerstone of successful and sustainable organisations and when conducted correctly leads to the organisation being a self sustaining entity.

At Quality One we believe that all process improvement should have no adverse or ripple effects in the organisation, in the supplier chain or at the customers. This can be achieved with sound and robust approaches to process management which is intrinsically linked to Organisational Process Maturity and an adherence to Organisational Robustness Analysis. The content in the Process Improvement course below outlines the Process Improvement course and what is required for adverse free event process improvement and the selection of the correct and targeted processes to improve within the organisation.

Please go to our Process Improvement Training page for further details.

Process Improvement Home Process Improvement Consulting

Process Improvement consulting is available from Quality One. Enquire about liaising with one of our process consultants in your next process improvement program and improve your organisations processes based on the sound risk analysis and impact the changed process or product has on other processes. To enquire please go to our Quality One Contact Page.

Forthcoming courses

There are currently no upcoming training courses scheduled. We add more courses regularly, so please check back soon.

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17-Jan-2023

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The next virtual 8D training course has been scheduled for the 30th and 31st of January 2023.

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2022 Quarter Four Training Schedule

16-Oct-2022

2022 Quarter Four Training Schedule has been released with training in Melbourne, Brisbane, Auckland and online in FMEA, 8D, Process Mapping, SPC, and MSA.
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The next Lean Six Sigma White Belt training course in Melbourne has been scheduled for the 8th of July 2022.

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Quality One - Discover the Value

Quality One Australia was first established as Quality Associates Australia in 2005 due to an overwhelming response for its partner company, Q1 - Quality One USA to provide quality training, consultation and facilitation services to various industries throughout the South East Asia region.  We rebranded in 2018 to more closely align with our US partner.

We specialise in end to end process and quality management from initial education, training, curriculum and certification ( Lean Six Sigma , 8D , FMEA, APQP, SPC etc. ) through to the implementation of quality management, electronic management and business and process improvements across your organisation. We deliver change, improvement and solutions to organisations locally, throughout Australia, across the Asia region and globally through our Q1 network.

If you desire this level of excellence then let us help you achieve your goals.
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