Businesses are adept at their daily routine of producing and selling products or services, billing for payment, and repeating this cycle. However, what if there was a better, faster, and more efficient way to do this while significantly reducing errors?
This is where the significance of ‘process management’ and ‘process improvement’ comes into play. Managing an outdated process is one thing, but the real value lies in managing the implementation of an improved one, which can significantly enhance efficiency and success.
Having assisted companies in becoming more efficient over the past 35 years, I’ve come to realize the crucial role of external perspective in the process. As the saying goes, ‘You only know what you know.’ Companies can’t improve on issues they aren’t aware of. They may experience outcomes they don’t want or expect, and they may feel the results of an inefficient business process, but because they don’t know why, they can’t fix it. This is where an external perspective becomes invaluable in identifying and resolving these issues.
Then there’s technology. Relying solely on technology can automate a flawed process and exacerbate the underlying problems. Improvement isn’t just about technology; it also involves the human element. Employees may view tech upgrades as more labor-intensive, leading to resistance. There are ways to address this effectively, and it’s necessary to do so because technology, people, and processes work together to help improve the outcomes of our workflows.
Job security is often a concern that causes users to resist automation. With AI and automation in the news, employees fear job loss. In an era of hiring challenges and increased retention costs, wouldn’t it be better to retrain and redeploy staff rather than reduce headcount? I believe so!
So, how can we improve processes effectively? It begins with thoroughly understanding the current state, requiring expertise in information management and process improvement beyond just Six Sigma certification. A skilled professional can identify issues and collaborate to develop better methods that align with budget constraints and future stability.
Documenting the current state reveals areas of waste and opportunities for improvement through technology and workflows. This documentation also safeguards against losing critical knowledge if staff leave, ensuring business continuity.
Business process management is about improving processes and ensuring smooth business operations, even during significant changes. A well-crafted change management plan is vital for success, as it ensures that business continues smoothly while transitioning to improved processes. This emphasis on change management encourages business leaders to prioritize it in their process improvement strategies.
If you are a business manager who would like to learn more about improving your department’s workflows so that you can get the results you expect from them, let’s chat. I’ll walk you through the benefits of getting a business process review and show you some incredible results I’ve gotten for my clients.
- Byron Aulick, CEEm, ECMm, CLSSGB
Senior VP Consulting & Training - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/byronaulick/