Process and procedure are two important terms in quality management and ISO 9001 standard that are often used interchangeably. However, there are some key differences between the two terms.
1. Definition:
- Process: A process is a set of interrelated or interacting activities that transform inputs into outputs.
- Procedure: A procedure is a specified way to carry out an activity or a process.
2. Focus:
- Process: Processes focus on the overall strategy and approach to achieve a particular goal or outcome. They define how things are done within an organization and set the direction for achieving desired results.
- Procedure: Procedures, on the other hand, provide detailed step-by-step instructions on how to perform a specific task or follow a particular process. They are more detailed and specific compared to processes.
3. Flexibility:
- Process: Processes are often more flexible and adaptable to changes as they provide a broader framework for achieving the desired outcome. They allow organizations to evaluate and modify their approach based on feedback and continuous improvement.
- Procedure: Procedures, on the other hand, are more structured and rigid as they provide specific instructions on how to perform tasks. They are often followed consistently to ensure consistency and minimize errors.
4. Documentation:
- Process: Processes are often documented in the form of process maps or flowcharts that provide a high-level overview of the activities involved, their sequence, and the interactions between them.
- Procedure: Procedures are typically documented in the form of detailed written instructions, checklists, or standard operating procedures (SOPs) that provide step-by-step instructions and guidelines for carrying out a specific task or process.
5. Level of Detail:
- Process: Processes focus on the overall strategy and approach, providing a high-level view of the activities involved. They do not go into the specific details of how each activity should be performed.
- Procedure: Procedures, on the other hand, provide detailed instructions, including specific actions, methods, tools, and resources required to perform a task or follow a process.
In summary, processes provide a strategic and high-level view of how things are done, while procedures offer detailed instructions on how to perform specific tasks or follow a particular process. Processes set the direction and framework for achieving organizational goals, whereas procedures define the specific actions required for execution. Both processes and procedures are crucial in quality management and ISO 9001 standard to ensure consistency, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
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