In the latest version, ISO 9001;2015, the “process approach” is highly emphasized for mangers to practice. We’ve touched on the process approach and how it fits with ISO in a previous blog.
But what exactly does this mean?
Another way of understanding the process approach is that it’s … the quality assurance system that consists of related processes. Fully grasping how results are gained in this system lets an organization optimize processes and performance.
When a company embraces the process approach it enables managers and their teams to hone in on windows for improvement. Whereas some goals may be missed on an unfortunately regular basis, the approach can yield predictable and consistent outcomes through aligned, systemic processes.
Managers can hurdle cross-functional obstacles and make better use of resources with meaningful process management. By tightening potentially troublesome areas with these process improvements, business partners and other interested parties can have more confidence in a manufacturer.
Essentially, anyone who wants to improve their process, whether it be building a part or processing an accounts payable check, can utilize the helpful principles in this ISO 9001-based approach. A shop floor worker can think about how it can be applied to his or her production area. A supervisor can discuss it with upper management, and upper management can talk about how to improve company systems with the CEO/president.
As with most things in life – diet, exercise, education, career, family, etc. – the more you give yourself to the process approach, the more you will gain from it. With that, it’s worth seriously considering becoming ISO 9001:2015-certified.
Again, the principles behind ISO are fairly generic and can be applied to just about any organization. Why? – Because everyone utilizes process one way or another. Think about it …
Another way of understanding “process” is that it’s any set of interrelated activities – or actions that interact with one another. Anyone from a kitchen worker in a restaurant to Ford Motor Company to nonprofit organizations stands to benefit from process analysis and the targeted improvements that are yielded.