How do you track process quality?

1 Define quality metrics

The first step is to define what quality means for your process and how to measure it. Quality metrics are indicators that reflect the performance, efficiency, effectiveness, and satisfaction of your process. They can be quantitative or qualitative, depending on the nature and purpose of your process. For example, some common quality metrics are cycle time, defect rate, throughput, customer satisfaction, and compliance. You should align your quality metrics with your process goals, objectives, and standards, and make sure they are SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

2 Collect and analyze data

The next step is to collect and analyze data on your quality metrics. Data collection can be done manually or automatically, depending on the availability and accessibility of data sources and tools. You should collect data regularly and systematically, using appropriate methods and formats. For example, you can use surveys, interviews, observations, checklists, logs, databases, or sensors to collect data. Data analysis can be done using various tools and techniques, such as charts, graphs, tables, statistics, or software. You should analyze data to identify trends, patterns, gaps, and opportunities for improvement in your process quality.

3 Implement quality controls

The third step is to implement quality controls to monitor and maintain your process quality. Quality controls are methods or procedures that check, verify, or correct the quality of your process outputs or inputs. They can be preventive or corrective, depending on the timing and purpose of the control. For example, some common quality controls are inspections, tests, audits, reviews, or feedback. You should implement quality controls at key points or stages of your process, and make sure they are effective, efficient, and consistent.

4 Use quality improvement methods

The fourth step is to use quality improvement methods to enhance and optimize your process quality. Quality improvement methods are approaches or frameworks that help you identify and solve problems, reduce waste, increase value, and achieve excellence in your process. They can be based on different principles or philosophies, such as Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or PDCA. You should use quality improvement methods that suit your process context, culture, and goals, and make sure they are systematic, collaborative, and continuous.

5 Communicate and report results

The last step is to communicate and report your results on process quality to your stakeholders. Stakeholders are people or groups who have an interest or influence in your process, such as customers, employees, managers, suppliers, or regulators. Communicating and reporting results can help you share information, insights, and feedback, as well as demonstrate accountability, transparency, and value. You should communicate and report results using appropriate channels, formats, and frequencies. For example, you can use dashboards, reports, presentations, newsletters, or meetings to communicate and report results.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?