What are the steps to creating a sustainable quality management program in process design?

1 Define quality goals and standards

The first step is to define what quality means for your process design and how you will measure it. You need to identify the requirements, specifications, and expectations of your customers, stakeholders, and regulators. You also need to establish the criteria, indicators, and targets for evaluating the performance, efficiency, and effectiveness of your process design. You can use tools such as quality function deployment, benchmarking, and balanced scorecard to define your quality goals and standards.

2 Assess current state and gaps

The second step is to assess the current state of your process design and identify the gaps between the desired and actual quality levels. You need to collect and analyze data on the inputs, outputs, activities, resources, and outcomes of your process design. You also need to identify the root causes, risks, and opportunities for improvement in your process design. You can use tools such as process mapping, gap analysis, fishbone diagram, and SWOT analysis to assess your current state and gaps.

3 Implement quality improvement actions

The third step is to implement the quality improvement actions that address the gaps and root causes in your process design. You need to prioritize, plan, and execute the changes, interventions, and solutions that will enhance the quality of your process design. You also need to monitor, control, and document the progress, results, and impacts of your quality improvement actions. You can use tools such as PDCA cycle, DMAIC methodology, and project management techniques to implement your quality improvement actions.

4 Evaluate quality outcomes and feedback

The fourth step is to evaluate the quality outcomes and feedback of your process design and quality improvement actions. You need to measure, compare, and report the changes, achievements, and benefits of your quality improvement actions. You also need to collect, review, and respond to the feedback, complaints, and suggestions of your customers, stakeholders, and regulators. You can use tools such as KPI dashboards, customer satisfaction surveys, and quality audits to evaluate your quality outcomes and feedback.

5 Review and update quality management program

The fifth step is to review and update your quality management program based on the evaluation results and feedback. You need to identify the strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement in your quality management program. You also need to revise, refine, and align your quality goals, standards, methods, and resources with the changing needs and expectations of your customers, stakeholders, and regulators. You can use tools such as quality reviews, quality policy, and quality management system to review and update your quality management program.

6 Foster a quality culture and mindset

The sixth step is to foster a quality culture and mindset in your process design team and organization. You need to communicate, educate, and motivate your team members and stakeholders about the importance, benefits, and principles of quality management. You also need to recognize, reward, and celebrate the achievements, contributions, and innovations of your team members and stakeholders in quality management. You can use tools such as quality training, quality circles, and quality awards to foster a quality culture and mindset.