Glossary / Lexicon

Deutsch: Metrik / Español: Métrica/ Français: Métrique
Metric or metrical may refer to the metric system of measurement or the International System of Units.

In the quality management context, a metric is a standard of measurement used to evaluate performance, progress, or quality. Metrics are used to track and measure various aspects of a business's operations, processes, products, or services. They are essential for identifying areas that need improvement and for making data-driven decisions.

Examples of metrics in quality management include:

1. Defect density: This metric measures the number of defects found in a specific unit of code, such as per 1,000 lines of code. It helps identify areas where the code needs to be improved.

2. First-time fix rate: This metric measures the percentage of issues that are resolved on the first attempt. It's used to evaluate the effectiveness of the support team.

3. Customer satisfaction: This metric measures the level of satisfaction that customers have with a company's products or services. It can be measured through surveys, reviews, or other feedback mechanisms.

4. Cycle time: This metric measures the time it takes to complete a specific process, such as from the start of production to the delivery of the final product. It helps identify areas where processes can be improved to reduce production time.

5. Lead time: This metric measures the time it takes to deliver a product or service to the customer, from the time an order is placed to the time it's delivered. It's used to evaluate the efficiency of the supply chain.

6. Cost of quality: This metric measures the total cost associated with preventing defects, as well as the cost of fixing defects. It's used to evaluate the effectiveness of quality management practices.

Similar concepts to metrics in quality management include:

1. Key performance indicators (KPIs): These are specific metrics used to evaluate how well an organization is achieving its objectives. KPIs are typically linked to an organization's overall strategy and goals.

2. Performance indicators (PIs): These are metrics used to evaluate the performance of specific processes or functions within an organization. PIs are used to identify areas where improvements can be made to increase efficiency and effectiveness.

3. Dashboards: These are visual representations of metrics and KPIs that allow stakeholders to quickly and easily understand performance. Dashboards can be customized to show the most relevant metrics for different departments or functions.

In summary, metrics are an essential tool in quality management. They allow organizations to track and measure performance, identify areas for improvement, and make data-driven decisions. By using metrics effectively, organizations can improve the quality of their products and services, increase customer satisfaction, and ultimately, achieve their business objectives.

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