How do you track quality outcomes?

1 Define your quality outcomes

The first step is to define what quality outcomes you want to track and why. You need to align your quality outcomes with your quality vision, mission, and strategy, as well as your customers' needs and feedback. You also need to consider the relevant quality criteria, indicators, and metrics that will help you measure your quality outcomes. For example, you may want to track quality outcomes related to customer satisfaction, product or service quality, process efficiency, defect reduction, or cost savings.

2 Collect and analyze data

The next step is to collect and analyze data that will help you track your quality outcomes. You need to ensure that your data sources are reliable, valid, and consistent, and that your data collection methods are appropriate, ethical, and transparent. You also need to use suitable tools and techniques to analyze your data and generate meaningful insights. For example, you may use surveys, audits, tests, or inspections to collect data, and use charts, graphs, dashboards, or reports to analyze data.

3 Monitor and report progress

The third step is to monitor and report your progress in tracking your quality outcomes. You need to establish a regular and systematic way of reviewing your data and comparing it with your quality goals and benchmarks. You also need to communicate your progress to your team, management, customers, and other stakeholders in a clear and concise way. For example, you may use a quality management system (QMS) to monitor and report your progress, and use quality reviews, feedback sessions, or newsletters to share your results.

4 Evaluate and improve performance

The final step is to evaluate and improve your performance in tracking your quality outcomes. You need to assess the strengths and weaknesses of your quality management processes, practices, and tools, and identify the root causes of any problems or deviations. You also need to implement corrective and preventive actions, and seek opportunities for continuous improvement. For example, you may use a quality audit, a SWOT analysis, or a PDCA cycle to evaluate and improve your performance.

Tracking quality outcomes is a key part of quality management that can help you enhance your quality culture, reputation, and competitiveness. By following these tips, you can track your quality outcomes more effectively and efficiently, and achieve your quality excellence.

5 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?