In quality management, what is meant by a process approach?

The concept of a process approach in quality management emphasizes managing activities as interconnected processes that convert inputs into outputs. This approach focuses on understanding how various processes within an organization interact and influence one another, ultimately affecting overall performance and quality. By defining, analyzing, and managing these processes, organizations can enhance efficiency, reduce variation, and ensure that they meet customer requirements consistently.

The process approach enables a systematic method for achieving quality objectives. It encourages the identification of key processes and outcomes, fostering continuous improvement through monitoring and measurement. This structured methodology aligns with quality management principles, ensuring that organizations focus not just on the end result (the output) but also on the effectiveness and efficiency of the processes contributing to that outcome. This holistic view drives improvements throughout the organization, enhancing customer satisfaction and operational performance.