Process repeatability is perhaps the basis for the creation and operation of a successful process. All other attributes of the process depend on the processes being repeatable. Even if a process is informal, it must be repeatable for it to be a successful and fully operational process. If a process is formalized, it is often documented, making it easier to repeat. To measure the flexibility and extensibility of a process, it must be repeatable. Otherwise, there is nothing consistent with which to measure and compare. In order to measure process improvement, repeatability is essential. So, repeatability is a critical factor in continuous improvement and final process success within organizations.

While managers may believe they don’t have time to create repeatable processes, the reality is that companies can’t afford not have processes that are repeatable. If you don’t spend time thinking about processes and documenting them, time is wasted recreating processes each time they are to be carried out.

For example, consider the hiring process. This is a repeatable process that is required more or less from the first day of a company’s existence. Hardly anyone would dispute the fact that it is important to get the hiring process right. After all, if you choose the wrong person for the team, that team, and ultimately the company, will suffer as a result of your poor decision. Time spent thinking about how the hiring process will work is critical. If the process is carefully considered, then the right person can be hired. If the process works and is documented, it can be repeated so that the company continues to search and select the best employee for each position. If the hiring process is not repeatable, then the quality of the recruited candidates can vary greatly.

This example illustrates why it is critical to have repeatable processes that are documented and that work for the business. While this example makes the case for a repeatable hiring process, it can also be applied to any other task that the company needs to perform. Repeatable processes are critical to success in all areas of the business and for all types of tasks.

Both repeatable and non-repeatable processes are common, and we’ve all seen examples of both. I have experienced that the same process is repeatable and not repeatable in different organizations. Continuing with the hiring example topic, the process outlined here is the procedure that is followed once an employee is hired, in terms of setting up the employee on their first day on the job. At a company I worked for, the new hire received the following on their first day on the job:

• Orientation training that describes an overview of the company and the role of the employee.
• An electronically encoded card key that allows secure access to multiple locations in the building for employees only.
• A cubicle or office with a work station and a chair.
• Office supplies along with a trash can and a computer to get your work done.
• The appropriate software installed on the computer to allow the employee to properly perform assigned tasks.

Unfortunately, it was a common occurrence that one or more of these items were not available on the new hire’s first day of work. It was not uncommon to see new hires spend the first hours of their first day searching for a chair or office supplies, or simply trying to get back to safe areas after lunch because they didn’t have their card key yet. Sometimes new hires would have all of these items in place, but most of the time this was not the case.

At another company I worked for, new hires always had these items in place on the first day. Additionally, the employee nameplate and business cards were also available on their first day of work because the new hire orientation committee made sure they ordered everything a new hire needed the moment it was accepted. the job offer letter. The new hires even had a “Welcome Aboard” gift basket waiting for them on their first day. This is a long way from the previous example. The motivation of new hires can only be improved if they have all the necessary equipment ready for them from day one, in addition to receiving a welcome gift. This efficient and repeatable form of business process made the company’s new hires feel included and loved from the start.

Once the processes are repeatable, they can be measured. Once they are measurable, the team can determine where potential problems are occurring and then take steps to address and improve the process. Therefore, making the process repeatable is a key and crucial first step. Once this is in place, the next important step is to make sure the process is measurable.