The steps of a quality approach

What is a quality approach?

A quality approach is a structured process aimed at continuously improving the performance of an organization. It is based on the analysis of practices, the definition of objectives, the development of an action plan, the implementation of improvements, and the measurement of the results obtained.

Implementation of a quality approach

The implementation of a quality approach systematically revolves around 4 major steps:

1 - Take stock

First, one must evaluate and analyze their functioning in order to know where they stand. The gaps between the set objectives and daily practices are measured. This analysis is generally referred to as self-diagnosis (or self-evaluation).

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Building a stocktaking is:

Defining strategic objectives of one's activity project, Collecting information to establish findings and analyze functioning in relation to customer expectations, Determining strengths, sensitive points, and dysfunctions, by explaining them.

The aim of this examination is to see if the functioning is correct and in particular whether the resources necessary for this functioning are available and adequate and whether the results are acceptable.

This reflection should yield a clear vision of the problems and necessary improvements for which decisions must be made and actions engaged.

2 - Determine the action plan

Based on the various findings established by the stocktaking, an inventory of improvement areas is made. A well-conducted quality approach often brings to light a sometimes significant number of issues to address, which do not all have the same degree of importance and cannot all be dealt with immediately.

It is therefore essential to prioritize the issues and ensure the feasibility of the proposed solutions.

The areas for progress thus defined are recorded in a document called the action plan. It is developed through a participatory approach involving all staff. This document serves as a guideline. It defines the means, detailed timeline, and actions to be implemented to set up a documented quality approach in accordance with the set objectives.

3 - Carry out the actions

The improvement actions are implemented based on the action plan by mobilizing the necessary resources, according to predefined steps and deadlines.

Monitoring the actions is a major aspect of the approach: One must ensure that the planned actions are carried out according to the timeline and that they produce the expected benefits.

These improvement actions often lead to new ways of working that require strong commitment from managers to support these changes.

The most effective way to execute and monitor the actions is to use software or applications like Vesuv that allow for easy digitalization of procedures. Vesuv offers ready-to-use procedure templates for various interesting use cases.

4 - Measure improvements and continue implementation

The implementation of the action plan involves regularly measuring the achievement of objectives based on relevant measurement indicators. These indicators can be objective data, statistics, developed documents, or even the use and adoption of a new tool by the team.

These results are valued and shared with all staff to create their full impact: sharing the meaning of the approach, disseminating initiatives, and ensuring the sustainability of actions undertaken. This is how the dynamics of progress will become everyone's business on a daily basis.

The quality approach par excellence is certification. It encompasses all the conditions of procedures that guarantee service quality. However, without immediately aiming for this goal, it is possible to simply and freely engage in a quality approach.