Standardization of Work Processes:
The interrelated processes of an organization need to be standardized which help to determine how work is organized and how customer needs are met. A process is a "flow of work that progresses from one person or one activity to another." A critical process is "an important process, defined by customer need, that is a major part of the mission of the organization. Identifying and evaluating the critical processes that drive an organization are vital to the continuous improvement of systems fundamental to TQM. In selecting processes for pilot projects, consideration should be given to:
- importance of the process to primary customers,
- whether the process is experiencing difficulty and is recognised as needing attention, and
- likelihood of eliminating waste (by saving money, staff time, etc.).