Process Mapping - Process Flow and Interactions of Processes - ISO 9001

Well, I thought I'd share mine also for grins/criticism. I don't really care for mine too much - it was suggested by someone who had great influence at the time that it was a necessity in our implementation process. It passed the audit.

What does anyone think?
Thanks,
Lee

I deleted the word doc and replaced with a pdf file since the word doc wouldn't open properly.

Lee said:

Well, I thought I'd share mine also for grins/criticism. I don't really care for mine too much - it was suggested by someone who had great influence at the time that it was a necessity in our implementation process. It passed the audit. What does anyone think? Thanks, Lee

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Lee said:

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Lee

Since you asked....

1) The key words are "it passed the audit", so nothing else really matters

2) Is this format called swim lanes? I like it a lot, it shows how processes cut across departments....I feel this style is one of the more successful ones.

3) And this format just proves my favorite gripe....look at how much the Quality department is responsible for <by inspection about 20%>....so why is this a called Quality management system...it is a business management system, just look at all the stuff those other departments are responsible for...

4) Second favorite gripe "product realization". Does any one use that term in yor company? Bet you have a design department.

Every time I see a Quality manual with "real eye zay she own" it tells me quality system is grafted on, not a day to day part of the system

You say you don't like it, what would you do instead?

So, I guess now I better post my map so it can be critiqued.

Caster said:

You say you don't like it, what would you do instead?

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I do not know. I have been searching to see what everyone else has done. I just do not see the value in having this map. I never look at it or refer to it. No one does. The registrar said we had to have it but what good is it? I don't get it.

Caster said:

1) The key words are "it passed the audit", so nothing else really matters

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To rely on "Well, it passed the last audit" could get a person in trouble. Different auditors, etc.

You MUST rely on your knowledge and ability to explain how and why your company / location complies. If a company had an 'easy' auditor last time and a 'by the book' auditor comes next audit, a shock could follow.

Caster said:

1) The key words are "it passed the audit", so nothing else really matters

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Please don't make that the primary criteria! Sure, it has to pass the audit, but first and foremost, it has to provide a benefit. It has to be right for the business. If it is right for the business, we'll make it work for the audit too.

In my opinion, it was a bit complicated. That tends to make it intimidating to the average person at a company. That tends to render it as "not beneficial" to the company. There is nothing wrong with putting some of this info in a secondary document, and keep the primary flow clean and clear.

But, more important, is that it suit your needs, not your auditor's needs.

Lee said:

I do not know. I have been searching to see what everyone else has done. I just do not see the value in having this map. I never look at it or refer to it. No one does. The registrar said we had to have it but what good is it? I don't get it.

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There is NO requirement to make flowcharts, process maps, or turtles! The requirement is that we define the sequence and interactions. ANY format that accomplishes that can meet the requirement. So, if YOU want to have flowcharts, process maps, or turtles, that is great. But, don't make it for the auditor. Make it to be what you need! If you understand the standard, you will make it in such a way that it also meets the requirements.

Lee, we are in the process of developing very similiar maps, however, ours not only show the departments but how the actions align with PDCA (the overall foundation of our Management System).

Departments along the top axis...PDCA along the vertical. We also include a "how" column and "frequency" column on the right side so that each step shows how often it is done and what actions are done/resources are needed.

Marc said:

To rely on "Well, it passed the last audit" could get a person in trouble. Different auditors, etc.

You MUST rely on your knowledge and ability to explain how and why your company / location complies. If a company had an 'easy' auditor last time and a 'by the book' auditor comes next audit, a shock could follow.

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Re: Complies with what? With section 4.1 General requirements?
Re: "by the book" auditor.....Oh, I am well aware of that potential situation!

hjilling said:

Please don't make that the primary criteria! Sure, it has to pass the audit, but first and foremost, it has to provide a benefit. It has to be right for the business. If it is right for the business, we'll make it work for the audit too.

In my opinion, it was a bit complicated. That tends to make it intimidating to the average person at a company. That tends to render it as "not beneficial" to the company. There is nothing wrong with putting some of this info in a secondary document, and keep the primary flow clean and clear.

But, more important, is that it suit your needs, not your auditor's needs.

Click to expand...

Re: benefit...I do not see the benefit of the document. Why is it needed?
We're getting off-topic. I am not the original poster. I just wanted to share my process map and at the same time, get some feedback. Sounds like it is a bit complicated. Big Thanks!

RCBeyette said:

Lee, we are in the process of developing very similiar maps, however, ours not only show the departments but how the actions align with PDCA (the overall foundation of our Management System).

Departments along the top axis...PDCA along the vertical. We also include a "how" column and "frequency" column on the right side so that each step shows how often it is done and what actions are done/resources are needed.

Click to expand...

I am not real familiar with PDCA. I have asked about it in a separate thread and there I learned something about it. But, I am interested in seeing what you come up with....eventually.