Managing Strategic Process Performance

Achieving the business goals is dependent on strong and well performing underlying business processes. Because of this strong dependency, when processes are not performing well the decision to select Six Sigma or Lean for process improvement is a strategic one. Process improvement is more than a collection

of projects and tools to analyze key processes. It is a strategic approach to improving process performance through the application of multiple methodologies, in a comprehensive approach that is linked with achieving business goals.

The Link With Process Maturity

Process optimization can be defined as the combination of process performance with process maturity. Process maturity relates to how well processes are designed, documented and interfaced with each other and integrated within the overall business.

Before embarking on process optimization efforts, evaluate the maturity of the processes and the organization, using a CMMI-based approach. >>CMMI Processes that are not well integrated and lack basic documentation will likely not achieve sustainable improvement. Organizations that lack a certain process maturity level are less likely to see the collection of mature processes as a foundation for achieving business goals.