Implementing statistical process control in service processes

Statistical process control (SPC) can be applied to service processes, but the framework and methods may deviate from applications in industry. This was investigated in several pilot projects covering a range of service processes. Three main issues emerged. First, in addition to the traditional distinction in back office and front office processes, the customer process is leading in achieving control and improvement of service quality. Second, process diagnosis of service processes from back office to customer may reveal quality problems. Finally, measurements in front office and customer processes are needed to control these processes. From current practice and literature, it is not evident which types of measurements are adequate to provide prompt feedback to front office personnel. Introduces a framework for measurements, which suggests the type of measurement depending on the type of service process, whether it is the front office or customer process, and the type of quality characteristic in Kano’s model (must be, the more the better or delighting). Uses practical examples from the pilot projects to illustrate the issues.