2 Process Analysis and Improvement Free Online FlashCards

What is a process?

A process is a set of connected activities that transforms inputs, such as materials or information, into outputs.

What defines a batch process?

A batch process makes moderate quantities by processing groups of similar items together.

What is a process map used to reveal?

A process map shows the steps and connections in a process, making it easier to spot delays, repeated work, unnecessary steps, errors, and handoffs.

How do processing time and waiting time differ?

Processing time is time spent actively working on a unit; waiting time is time the unit spends idle, often in a queue.

What makes a step the process bottleneck?

The bottleneck is the step with the lowest effective capacity; it limits maximum system throughput when demand is sufficient.

What are the four stages of PDCA?

PDCA means Plan, Do, Check, Act: define and test a change, compare results with the baseline, then standardize success or revise and test again.

How does rising volume and falling variety affect a process?

As volume rises and variety falls, processes generally become more standardized and equipment more specialized.

What characterizes a job shop?

A job shop handles low volumes of varied work, often with different jobs following different routes.

What characterizes a continuous process?

A continuous process has very high volume and highly standardized, uninterrupted flow, as in oil refining or water treatment.

What do common flowchart symbols represent?

Flowcharts commonly use rectangles for activities, diamonds for decisions, arrows for flow, and start/end symbols.

What does SIPOC stand for, and what is it used for?

SIPOC stands for suppliers, inputs, process, outputs, and customers; it can help define a process before detailed mapping.

What does a value stream map help identify?

A value stream map shows material and information flow across connected steps and helps identify opportunities to reduce waste and waiting.