Process Analysis

A PROCESS can be defined as “a logical series of related transactions that converts input to results or output“.

A step-by-step breakdown of the phases of a process, used to convey the inputs, outputs, and operations that take place during each phase. A process analysis can be used to improve understanding of how the process operates, and to determine potential targets for process improvement through removing waste and increasing efficiency.

When observing a process, always aim to understand the THREE PROCESS MEASURES:

1. FLOW RATE/ THROUGHPUT: Number of FLOW UNITS going through the process per unit of time;

2. FLOW TIME: Time it takes a FLOW UNIT to go from the beginning to the end of the process;

3. INVENTORY: Number of FLOW UNITS in the process at a given moment in time.

Let’s PRACTICE!