Flow chart to show the various paths a job can travel - Seeking Advice

H

hawkeye

#1
flowchart?

Hello again everyone! I have begun to create a flow chart to show the various paths a job can travel on throughout the production process. (By the way, did I metion that I work for a printing company? I don't know if that matters, but maybe some of your advice would be industy- specific and I wanted to avoid any confusion on those grounds.) It's actually a pretty eye- opening project toactually get a visual of all of the ways a project travels through the production process. I will then look for ways to streamline the workflow to increase efficiency. Once that is done and approved by the "powers that be", what I want to do is revamp the company procedures to reflect the streamlined workflow using ideas fromthe personel that actually carry out the procedures. What are your thoughts? Am I missing anything? I think this is a good place for me to begin my journey into the realm of 'quality'. I'm starting this whole system from scatch and it's almost like looking at a mountain that has to be demolished! So that's why i'm asking all of these questions; to hear from people who have been doing this for a while and make sure I'm on the right path to making a difference in my organization. Your thoughts are greatly appriciated! :D
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Elsmar Forum Sponsor
#2
hawkeye said:
It's actually a pretty eye- opening project toactually get a visual of all of the ways a project travels through the production process. I will then look for ways to streamline the workflow to increase efficiency.
I'd say you are on track, and yes: Getting that visual often turns out to be quite an eye-opener. One question: Is it your intention to go for certification of your system?

/Claes
 
Last edited:

Mike S.

Happy to be Alive
Trusted Information Resource
#3
hawkeye said:
It's actually a pretty eye- opening project toactually get a visual of all of the ways a project travels through the production process. I will then look for ways to streamline the workflow to increase efficiency. Once that is done and approved by the "powers that be", what I want to do is revamp the company procedures to reflect the streamlined workflow using ideas fromthe personel that actually carry out the procedures. What are your thoughts? Am I missing anything?
hawk,

What you propose is reasonable, IMO. However, my only question would be are you sure this is currently the most valuable activity you can be spending your time on? In other words, did your boss give you this project as your top priority? Or do you otherwise know that there are no other major issues which should be addressed first in order of priority? If the answer is yes, go for it!
 
H

hawkeye

#4
Mike S. said:
hawk,

What you propose is reasonable, IMO. However, my only question would be are you sure this is currently the most valuable activity you can be spending your time on? In other words, did your boss give you this project as your top priority? Or do you otherwise know that there are no other major issues which should be addressed first in order of priority? If the answer is yes, go for it!
MIKE, This project is a result of a meeting I had with the manufacturing and pre manufacturing managers this week shortly after recieving my promotion. This is the direction we agreed that I go in and the first task I should work on. However, I really don't think they realized what a monumental task this would become! Once again, I am sailing in uncharted waters. You do raise an interesting point. Should I first work on something that shows results a little sooner to validate my position within the company and to solidify my worth? Good point Mike. Any comments anyone?
 
#5
hawkeye said:
Should I first work on something that shows results a little sooner to validate my position within the company and to solidify my worth?
:agree1: It always makes good sense to pick the low hanging fruit. If you find something (and you will) that you can fix with little effort, and great gain: Then by all means, go for it. That's good (internal) PR, and all Q-geeks need that. Pick the easy victories as long as they don't derail your main effort.

/Claes
 

Mike S.

Happy to be Alive
Trusted Information Resource
#6
hawkeye said:
MIKE, This project is a result of a meeting I had with the manufacturing and pre manufacturing managers this week shortly after recieving my promotion. This is the direction we agreed that I go in and the first task I should work on. However, I really don't think they realized what a monumental task this would become! Once again, I am sailing in uncharted waters. You do raise an interesting point. Should I first work on something that shows results a little sooner to validate my position within the company and to solidify my worth? Good point Mike. Any comments anyone?
Well, IMO it is very good that you decided on this task as a group so you should get support from those folks, not roadblocks as might be the case if you decided on your own and they do not agree. If you are concerned about how much work is involved, go back and meet with them and say you looked into it and expect it to take X to Y hours/days/weeks/months to do it right. They might or might not have expected that. Free, open, frequent communication is key. Maybe you as a group will decide it is still important but you should split your time on that and some shorter-term stuff -- low hanging fruit as Claes mentioned. But remember, communicate!
 

Wes Bucey

Quite Involved in Discussions
#7
hawkeye said:
However, I really don't think they realized what a monumental task this would become! Once again, I am sailing in uncharted waters.
. . .
Should I first work on something that shows results a little sooner to validate my position within the company and to solidify my worth?
I have no "artistic eye" like Wallace when it comes to making charts look pretty, but I do know the nuts and bolts of dissecting a Process. Here are some tips I found a while back (sorry - didn't keep author credit; consider this "fair use" for copyright sticklers):
  • Chart the process the way it is really occurring. Do not document the way a written process or a manager thinks the process happens.(People typically modify existing processes to enable a more efficient process. If the desired or theoretical process is charted, problems with the existing process will not be recognized and no improvements can be made.)
  • Note all circumstances actually dealt with. (If the operations described on the chart don't happen as charted all the time, note the exceptions on the chart. i.e. Is the part or report generated in the process always available when needed or is there sometimes a delay?)
  • Important assumptions and details should be noted on flow charts such as special training or assumed knowledge, special procedural requirements, time limitations, etc. to ensure awareness of all these issues when analyzing a process for changes.
  • Where process improvements are time-based, collect data on the "standard" or "typical" time it takes for each step in the process and note each time on the flow chart at each step. (The time information can be used to set priorities for time reduction efforts so that the largest contributors to the overall cycle time are more easily recognized. This same tip can be applied to other measures such as complaints, costs, defects, etc.)
  • Test the flow chart by trying to follow the chart to perform the process charted. If there is a problem performing the operation as charted, note any differences and modify the chart to correct. A better approach would be to have someone unfamiliar with the process try to follow the flow chart and note questions or problems found.
  • Include mental steps in the process such as decisions. These steps are sometimes left out because of familiarity with the process, however, they represent sources of problems due to (a) possible lack of training; or (b) information used to make the decision can be inadequate or incorrect if performed by a different person.
 
W

WALLACE

#8
hawkeye,
Are you able to share your flow chart at the Cove as it develops? This may be an excellent opportunity for you to glean from the flowcharting experts at the Cove.
Wallace.
 
Thread starter Similar threads Forum Replies Date
A SPC procedure / flow chart Statistical Analysis Tools, Techniques and SPC 2
D Virtual Documentation via Master Flow Chart? Process Maps, Process Mapping and Turtle Diagrams 4
A Redesigning our process flow chart, PFMEA and Control Plan Process Maps, Process Mapping and Turtle Diagrams 4
K Vigilance process flow chart EU Medical Device Regulations 1
D Link between FMEA, flow chart and control plan FMEA and Control Plans 10
M ISO 9001:2015 Compliant Recruitment Flow Chart Training - Internal, External, Online and Distance Learning 6
A AS 9100 - Risk Management Procedure and Flow Chart examples AS9100, IAQG, NADCAP and Aerospace related Standards and Requirements 4
D ISO 9001 Design Process Flow Chart ISO 9000, ISO 9001, and ISO 9004 Quality Management Systems Standards 9
Ron Rompen Document Flow Chart Assistance Document Control Systems, Procedures, Forms and Templates 3
S US FDA PMA (Pre-Market Approval) Process Flow Chart Example Other US Medical Device Regulations 1
N This is my kind of flow chart ;) Funny Stuff - Jokes and Humour 5
D CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Action) Flow Chart example wanted Preventive Action and Continuous Improvement 3
C 'Flash' flow chart software Process Maps, Process Mapping and Turtle Diagrams 2
L Process Flow Chart for manufacturing of Light Switch requested Process Maps, Process Mapping and Turtle Diagrams 5
T ISMS (Information Security Management System) Task Flow Chart in 'Detail' IEC 27001 - Information Security Management Systems (ISMS) 7
R "Control" as used in 4.1 c) - Process Flow Charts (Process Sequence Chart) ISO 9000, ISO 9001, and ISO 9004 Quality Management Systems Standards 12
F ISO 11137 - Flow Chart | Decision Tree sterilization Other Medical Device Related Standards 4
M Incoming Source of Variation & Source of Variation in Process Flow Chart IATF 16949 - Automotive Quality Systems Standard 3
I Flow Chart for Environmental Design Project Check List Miscellaneous Environmental Standards and EMS Related Discussions 4
S Crisis Management Process and Procedure or Flow Chart example wanted ISO 9000, ISO 9001, and ISO 9004 Quality Management Systems Standards 4
AnaMariaVR2 Procrastination Flow Chart Funny Stuff - Jokes and Humour 10
Q Supplier PPAP: Procedure or Flow Chart to define Responsibilities and Actions? APQP and PPAP 4
R Sales Order Process Flow Plan (Flow Chart) Steps help ISO 9000, ISO 9001, and ISO 9004 Quality Management Systems Standards 6
B Has any one used Flow Chart Procedures for EMS ISO 14001 Document Control Systems, Procedures, Forms and Templates 7
S Requirements for Sequence Diagrams & Process Flow Chart for each Processes ISO 9000, ISO 9001, and ISO 9004 Quality Management Systems Standards 2
J Process Flow Chart is a Work Procedure or a Work Guide, or a Work Instruction Document Control Systems, Procedures, Forms and Templates 28
V Corrective Action & Containment Procedure - Flow Chart Format Document Control Systems, Procedures, Forms and Templates 4
J Simple Corrective Action Flow Chart example needed Problem Solving, Root Cause Fault and Failure Analysis 4
C Process Flow Chart Symbols Quality Tools, Improvement and Analysis 9
N Seek Battery Pack (Lithium or Ni-MN) Production Flow Chart for Vehicle Application Manufacturing and Related Processes 2
M CAPA Operating Procedure - Flow Chart or Written Out? ISO 9000, ISO 9001, and ISO 9004 Quality Management Systems Standards 16
C Flow Chart showing Interaction of Core and Support Processes ISO 9000, ISO 9001, and ISO 9004 Quality Management Systems Standards 11
D Flow Chart Decision Symbol Arrows - Which flowchart is correct? Process Maps, Process Mapping and Turtle Diagrams 32
M Risk Analysis using FMEA Process Flow Chart - Health Care Information System FMEA and Control Plans 6
L Being audited on AS9100 30th July - need example flow chart AS9100, IAQG, NADCAP and Aerospace related Standards and Requirements 15
R Process Flow Chart Step - Timing between Process Steps Process Maps, Process Mapping and Turtle Diagrams 3
Marc McDonalds Sandwich Making Flow Chart Patent Application World News 18
S Example Flow Chart of Qualification of Process wanted APQP and PPAP 3
M Flow chart, FMEA, Control Plan for cable assembly for Automative industry IATF 16949 - Automotive Quality Systems Standard 3
H Customer Complaint Process Flow Chart example needed IATF 16949 - Automotive Quality Systems Standard 3
J Single Flow Chart for Multiple System Procedures Process Maps, Process Mapping and Turtle Diagrams 7
J Software Controls our Maintenance System - Is a Flow Chart required? ISO 9000, ISO 9001, and ISO 9004 Quality Management Systems Standards 8
I Quality Guarantee Plan - Flow Chart from Incoming Material to be F/G IATF 16949 - Automotive Quality Systems Standard 5
A Process Flow Chart vs. Process Flow Diagram? Pages 38-39 in the APQP Manual FMEA and Control Plans 3
R Process Flow Chart Template example Document Control Systems, Procedures, Forms and Templates 20
B Looking for a manufacturing process flow chart example IATF 16949 - Automotive Quality Systems Standard 2
G How to handle defective supplier material Flow Chart Supplier Quality Assurance and other Supplier Issues 3
S Top Level Flow Chart for your review - TS16949 Document Control Systems, Procedures, Forms and Templates 4
A Need help with the process flow chart on my 4th edition PPAP! APQP and PPAP 5
Z Process Flow Chart - Potential sources of variation included? IATF 16949 - Automotive Quality Systems Standard 3

Similar threads

Top Bottom