Operating patterns define **how** the focus process will operate on the achieve-by date. An operating pattern is the predicted way **how** you will achieve the outcome goal/score/metric (the *what*). - In the Current Condition an operating pattern defines the means, not just the ends of what’s happening. - During Current Condition analysis, figure out what current operating pattern generates the outcomes - Then, design a target operating pattern that you predict will generate the improved outcomes. - Get as detailed as you can about how you expect the focus process to operate. ## Examples - A generic example of an Operating Pattern is a [Value Stream Map](Current%20State%20Map.md) - In a service organization: the description of a customer experience - In a bakery: how the customer is greeted, how products are displayed, or what steps to go through in serving a customer. - In a manufacturing process: desired sequence and timing of work steps, the location and size of work-in-process buffers, how a quality check is to be done, etc.