Process Flow Analysis (PFA)

Overview - Process Flow Analysis (PFA)

Process Flow Analysis (PFA for short) is used to help fully understand the current condition of any process. It draws upon waste elimination, value adding and visual management techniques, to map out an accurate representation of the current processes used, to be able to then identify areas for improvement activities.

A process flow can:

• make a huge process understandable
• bring a large group together
• resolved differences
• create a vision
• create an action plan

PFA is a visual aid to enable us to "SEE" the whole process from end to end, identifying the value, making it flow and eliminate waste. PFA helps to address the five elements in the cycle = Specify Value * Identify the value stream * Flow * Pull * Perfection – all aimed at relentlessly eliminating waste from a process.

This module draws upon "Lean" principles: Lean is often described as an approach for providing products or services that a customer requires on-time, of the right quality, at the right price, in the right amount, whilst meeting budgetary constraints and continually reducing costs.

This module includes a "notes" feature which encourages learners to focus their thinking around real life situations from their work place. At points throughout the course learners will be asked to stop and think about their own work situation and, using the "notes" feature, document how this could apply in their own work environment.

This module also gives you a step-by-step guide of how to create a flow diagram using Excel.

The overall aim of this module is to give learners a broad knowledge of the theory behind and the tips for undertaking Process Flow Analysis.

Having completed this module learners will be able to:

• Understand the process flow tool and how to use it
• Understand the pitfalls and issues associated with running a process flow
• Understand the importance of the action plan

Lesson Plan

Areas covered include:

• Welcome and Learning Objectives
• Lean Principles
• Process Flow Analysis and Summary

Accreditation

The content of this course has been independently certified as conforming to universally accepted Continuous Professional Development (CPD) guidelines

Certification

On completion of this course you will be able to download a Virtual College certificate.

Duration

Approximately 3 - 4 hours. The length of time taken depends entirely on how quickly you can study and absorb the material. You can proceed as quickly or slowly as you like, and there is no limit on how long you can take to do the course.

Target Audience

This e-learning module is aimed at anyone running a large process flow project involving teams; however, the principles are the same for smaller-scale activities. Process Flow is equally powerful with two people, a piece of paper and a pen.

Although this module uses examples and scenarios from a Health and Social Care setting, it is equally useful to anyone outside of this sector, who would like to understand Process Flow.

Entry Requirements

There are no specific entry requirements for this module.

Testimonials

Enjoyed working through the module and the fact that open questions were asked to get us thinking about how to apply the theory to our own practice. 04/02/2011 JW

I felt the demonstration on using Excel for mapping was particularly useful 09/02/2011 DM

Easily followed through the steps of Flow Analysis 14/02/2011 MB

Helpful to consider elements of an activity or service that may need to be improved 15/02/2011 LT