Investigation of process approach implementation in manufacturing firms: A methodology for assessing process excellence level

The process approach (PA) enables the improvement of manufacturing firms´ (MFs´) effectiveness and efficiency in achieving the defined aims via meeting clients´ requirements and enhancing clients´ satisfaction. The PA facilitates management and control of the interactions between different processes and interfaces between the functional hierarchies of a MF. It is vital to investigate the level of the utilization of PA for continuous improvement of the performance of an MF. This manuscript presents investigation results of the level of PA utilization in 46 MFs (out of 150 MFs which were invited to participate) based on tailor-made assessment criteria. It also presents a methodology for assessing the level of PA excellence.