The outcome of the process analysis effort is that I have defined the very best way I currently know how to perform the process. That is, I know the way to most effectively achieve the process desired outcomes with minimal waste.

All that remains is the development of the procedure (and you know how to obtain a copy of the Writing Procedures course, where we describe procedure development and structure).

Actually, I lied in the last paragraph. Yes, the procedure has to be developed, but this is hardly all that remains! If I consider the procedure to be the standard for performance and I desire to ensure all future process performers perform the process this best way, then the procedure is just one step in what I call institutionalizing the process.

(Note: more than one person has suggested I need institutionalizing more than any process, but someone has to have an off-the-charts passion for process description, learning and improvement. ☺*)

Anyhow, the procedure must be supplemented with training of all personnel in the now-standardized best way to perform the task. This must be followed with an intentional enforcement of the procedure. “Enforcement” may be a rather harsh word to describe what I intend, but it is important that everyone knows performing to standard is non-negotiable.

Finally, every process performer must be aware that what we have is the current-state best way we know how to do it. We will likely find better ways to perform aspects of the process, meaning we will have a better future-state method. Workers must be able to share their ideas, but also be aware that they make no changes to their performance until the prospective improvement is evaluated and the anticipated positive impact is verified.

And–shudder!–this whole process improvement can be undertaken again to look for ways to improve further. The good news is you should already have plenty of information from the last improvement effort!

* The happy face was inserted using the ASCII code 1. There are 256 different ASCII codes; to insert one, hold down the ALT key while typing in the number of the code using the numeric key pad on the keyboard. After typing in the number, release the ALT key and the character will appear in your document. ASCII codes include codes for European letters (ü, for example is ALT + 129). Two common codes I have used to develop procedures are ALT + 241 (± sign) and ALT + 248 (° or degree sign). And to provide a negative happy face, type ALT + 2: ☻ And with that, have a nice day!