The process matrix, a simple tool to analyse and describe production processes

The analysis of cause and effect relations in production processes is an important part of statistical process control. The Ishikawa or fishbone diagram has shown to be very useful in analysing and describing cause and effect relations in a qualitative way. However, it also has some drawbacks. This paper discusses these drawbacks and presents an alternative tool: the process matrix. After presenting the basic process matrix and discussing advantages experienced in practice, the possibilities for using the process matrix in business processes are addressed. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.