Interrelationship between process, WI, procedures

[MarkJoel]

I am having a hard time focusing lately due to being overtasked, but I need your help please!

I want a document that shows the relationship between:

• processes
• work instructions
• procedures
• etc.

That include the definition of each.

To stay focused I need a map to start from point A and go to point B while trying to impliment, analze, rework, create processes, templates, instructions, procedures, etc.

Thanks for your help!

[RCBeyette]

Hi, MarkJoel! I think it would be safe to say that most of here have been in your position of overtasked, underresourced, overstressed, underfed...in fact....I think I have a family, but I haven't seen them in quite some time so I can't be certain. Last night, there was a picture of me on the fridge with the caption "Have you seen this woman?" underneath it.

When it comes defining processes, procedures, work instructions, etc., you will find much information if you do a search on the Cove. Unfortunately, I do not know if you find the answers you are looking for - much debate has been had on this very topic and, at the end of day, I think the only thing we all agree on is that the definitions must be specific (and useful) to your organization.

How about this, though. Rather than ask us for how we define them, what do you think they are? What do you see the relationship to be between these items?

[TownDawg]

* laughs *

hehe.. you think he will just venture out and state his thoughts, just so we can stomp on them??..

lol. just kidding.

I was trying to think of the most succinct link I might have, so I might have to go with independent speculation -- but since you put the ball back in his court, I'll wait and see.

[MarkJoel]

Here is what I found:

Work Instruction
Work instruction describes how a standardized task is expected to be performed (Workflow, Task process elements).


Procedure
A procedure is a series of actions or operations viewed as discrete steps.
Low level
Usually written as 2nd person


Process
A process is any series of actions or operations viewed as a whole, with a start and a finish.
A process may not even have steps but may simply be a continuum (the process of fermentation, etc.). Additionally, a process is often something one observes, whereas a procedure is something one executes.

A process document defines what the process is (Name, subject, Action)

Process contains steps that may reference a procedure.
High level
Can be written as 2nd or 3rd person


I really think a procedure and WI are the same.

Please help me think!

[Valeri]

Our company defines as follows:

Quality Manual - describes the system, defines the policy and commitment to quality, defines responsibilities and authorities & provides description of required processes and procedures.

Procedures - defines "who, what, when"

Work instructions - defines "how"

Record - to record information and may become a quality record.

Process - inputs, activities (or steps) and outputs - process must always have some sort of measurable.

[sardonyx]

Here are the definitions I put in my document from what I have researched (too lazy to think of the right words).

Work Instructions - step by step directions on how a task should be done.

Procedures – documents outlining specific work processes.

Process- is a series of actions leading to an outcome of a product or service.

[RCBeyette]

Originally Posted by MarkJoel

Here is what I found:

Work Instruction
Work instruction describes how a standardized task is expected to be performed (Workflow, Task process elements).


Procedure
A procedure is a series of actions or operations viewed as discrete steps.
Low level
Usually written as 2nd person


Process
A process is any series of actions or operations viewed as a whole, with a start and a finish.
A process may not even have steps but may simply be a continuum (the process of fermentation, etc.). Additionally, a process is often something one observes, whereas a procedure is something one executes.

A process document defines what the process is (Name, subject, Action)

Process contains steps that may reference a procedure.
High level
Can be written as 2nd or 3rd person


I really think a procedure and WI are the same.

Please help me think!

Using your definitions, MarkJoel, think of it in terms of examples:

Process - Getting to work on time
Inputs - Alarm clock ringing
Outputs - Happy boss. Work accomplished
Resources required - Alarm clock. Automobile. Job. Driver's licence. Qualified person to set the alarm clock. Coffee maker. Mug. Lunch dishes. Leftovers.
Process - map showing the inputs, outputs and resources ensuring you get to work on time.

Procedure - Making coffee for morning commute in
1. Fill filter basket with coffee grounds.
2. Fill water basin with required amount of water.
3. Ensure carafe is in proper placement under coffee grind basket.
4. Turn on machine.
5. Pour coffee when machine is done.
6. Add sugar and/or cream, if desired.

Work Instruction - Coffee grinds
1. Place 4 tablespoons of coffee grinds in Blender-002.
2. Operate blender until expected granular size is obtained. Use Timer-001 to verify operation time.
Large grinds - 5 seconds
Medium grinds - 10 seconds
Fine grinds - 15 seconds
3. Via visual inspection, very size of grinds. Operate Blender-002 for additional time if required.
4. Poor grinds into 500mL container.
5. Repeats Steps 1-4 until 500ml container is filled to capacity.
6. Seal 500mL container with #4 lid.
7. Write current date on #4 lid of 500 mL container.
8. Place 500mL container on lower shelf in freezer to preserve.
9. Use grinds within two weeks of grinding date.

[Jim Howe]

My company uses these definitions.


The QA Policy is a “DIRECTIVE” from the President of the company.

The QAM (quality assurance manual) documents “WHAT WE DO” .

The Procedures document “HOW WE DO IT” .

Detailed Work Instructions are “STEP BY STEP” procedures.

Forms are documents used for “COLLECTING” data.

Records are “COMPLETED” FORMS.