A stable process is a repeatable process and means people understand what to do and how to do it!
A stable process occurs when the process is defined and people are trained on the process. It allows the work item (i.e. the widget moving and evolving through the process) follow a defined step-by-step process. And it means that the business is in agreement on how the process can/will perform. In addition, there are reliable basic process metrics utilized to review the health of the process.
Below are the criteria to consider if your process is Stabilized. Remember, it does not need to meet all of the traits. And, it's OK for some non-critical processes simply to be Stable.
Governance perspective Ownership
Identified Process Owner: A specific owner (either a person or a committee) that is accountable and responsible for the process. In addition, the vested parties (i.e. stakeholders) interested in the overall process performance are identified. Together, these individuals are responsible for defining the process and communicating the capabilities of the process.
Expectations
Internally Communicated Expectations: The process has agreed upon role & responsibilities between functional areas in the process. In addition, the capabilities of the process are defined, agreed upon, and communicated within the business. This has to happen before consistently setting expectations externally.
Measures
Established System of Record: For the work item (i.e. widget) that is "evolving" through the process, there needs to be a system of record. While the process may have systems or technology used to conduct the work, this is different than a system of record recording the status of the work item. This system of record allows the process owner to actively capture the work item status and monitor key process activity metrics. As a result, the process owner can monitor and report Input/Exit Counts, WIP, Cycle Time, etc.
Process perspective Methods
Defined process and guidelines: The creation (and periodic updates) of an operational level swim lane process map outlining the flow of the work item through the process. In addition, there needs to be defined governing rules & policies outlining how work gets done including well defined transition (i.e. start & end) steps. Process use similar tools (and ideally the same tools) to execute work.
People
Trained resources using proper tools: Personnel are trained on the defined process and using the appropriate tools. Employees want to know what to do and how to do it! You've hired good people, now help them easily understand how to deliver value. At this level, employees are also dedicated to the process and are responsible for meeting process delivery expectations.
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