Introduction

Process Approach is one of the management strategy which includes method of thinking, planning the sequences and communication of processes through the set system. The process are well managed and controlled. The way of thinking and planning so developed for the processes, the way they interact thus becomes difficult for many people to understand. The organization manages their business as a system of processes but not majorly people, departments or products. The good processes would help in generating good results in return. In this output generated from one process serve as an input for the other process.

Interrelated processes must be such that output generated by one process should be effective enough to serve as an input for the other proceeding process.

ISO 9001 primarily promote the process approach to sufficiently manage an organization. In total of 20 processes are examined well which even includes Quality Management system, working as a process. Process approach can turn complex if there exists large number of processes, inputs and outputs, so as per recommendation proper flowcharts and supported diagrams must be constructed to better visualize the input – output processes.

ISO 9001 standards are so designed and framed to get managed and bringing improvement in the processes which includes following steps:

• There is need for identification of key processes.

• Then standards for the process need to defined

• Then the decision need to finalized with respect to measurement and evaluation of the process being defined above.

• So determined by the measurement made the process approach so undertaken need to be documented to achieve the desired standard of quality.

• Continuous improvements need to be bought with respect to approach.

With step of identification being done the organization must ensure that the right processes are followed the first time by bringing effectiveness. Bringing efficiency to the process approach by continuously bringing improvements in the processes to ensure least amount of resources are utilized by the organization in conducting the processes.

Determination of effectiveness for the entire system is achieved through effectiveness in the process adopted and enabling interactivity of these processes within the organization’s system. To determine whether processes work towards adding much value to the organization or need to be improved it enables establishing quality objectives and auditing to be done. While designing and building quality management system this process approach plays its role and function.

Elements of process approach which lead towards achieving the quality management standards set:

• A process need to be recognized and identified where it is described in detail and helps in bringing desired results meeting customer requirements.

• Inputs include- human resource, energy and materials need to be identified and quantified in terms of output which consist of work-in- progress and finished products and services.

• The processes would interact and interfaced with different functional areas which need to quantified for an effective management procedure.

• To estimate potential risks, outcomes and it’s impact on different customers, suppliers and stakeholders at each stage of implementation.

• For effective implementation of processes key responsibilities and authority will need to be clarified laid out for each individual during the process.

• Delivery should be identified for internal or external customers.

• Before building a process resources some elements also in line to be considered with multiple task, flow, control tactics, along with training requirements and tools with data that could turn effective in implementation.

How the process approach of quality management system can work towards meeting customer’s needs?

Meeting internal and external customer requirements and continuous improvements can be brought in:

• Series of processes- in the overall function of the organization

• Processes- the effective conversion of inputs and outputs within less resources.

• Outcomes- the processes coming up with products and services.

• Objectives and requirements fulfillment leading towards quality generation

• Securing environment by preventing the pollution and waste generation

• Removal of unacceptable risks for ensuring safety of people and providing support to the people.

How visualization brings effect on process approach?

Visualization basically serves towards mapping out the processes and stays beneficial to organize the process and interact it well.

• Flowcharts– to bring improvements in process flowcharts is a great method to describe the process better by breaking down in parts. Flowcharts are simple diagrams which makes communication easy and allows one to see what really happens in the process.

• Turtle diagram– another visualization tool which helps in identifying inputs and outputs significantly and other information to enable effective execute and bring improvements in the process.

It’s primary purpose is to provide consistent products and services as per the requirements posed by the customers to enhance their satisfaction level. The purpose is well met by this effective and efficient process approach. The management system is itself made of processes which contribute towards making the management system more effective and efficient so there emerges a need to understand it’s working with the way they interact with each other. So the purpose which is served well by the ISO 9001 standard stands same for the process approach of quality management principle.

How the process approach gets implemented?

It can be implemented by:

• determining the outputs expected inputs required

• determining the sequence and interaction developed

• then applying the criteria and various methods to ensure effective operations and bring control over the processes.

• Then there also emerges the need to determine the resources needed and ensure their availability

• Authority and responsibilities with respect to processes

• Then addressing risk and opportunities associated

• Evaluation of processes and then working towards the improvement of processes if needed.

Wrapping up– A process approach where all the resources needed and tasks are already recognized, analyzing and allocating to each step of production process will lead towards bringing effective delivery based results out there.