The Innovator's Toolkit: 50+ Techniques for Predictable and Sustainable Organic Growth, 2nd Edition

Technique 55

Process Behavior Charts

Monitor process performance to keep the new solution in control.

 

Process behavior charts are used to monitor the performance of a process, product, service, or solution at the output (Y) and input (X) levels, answering the simple question: Is my process running as expected? For example, the mortgage loan approval process has several inputs that eventually result in the output of an approved loan. Process behavior charts can be used to monitor these input and output variables as a mechanism for helping manage loan turnaround times.

Use process behavior charts to monitor the performance of your new innovation as it goes into production or commercialization after its design—or even during a pilot. By doing this, you create the visibility that is necessary to ensure your new innovation is successfully positioned to make the transition from the drawing board into the real world.

We only cover the most basic chart types here, so it would be necessary to have help from a process expert or statistician if your needs are more sophisticated. As well, you may need or benefit from process behavior chart software if not performing your own calculations.

Process behavior charts are often called control charts, but this convention implies that a control function is performed; on the contrary, process behavior charts only perform a monitoring function. The control function is performed by virtue of a good Control Plan (Technique 58).

Steps

Scenario: SkiBlades ...