Jim’s 10 Tips To Better “Process Improvement”

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Posted by Jim on Nov 11, 2007 107 views

It doesn”t matter what size your business is, all organizations need to understand and implement various levels of “process improvement” to increase efficiencies, eliminate waste and reduce costs. Although specific methodologies and process improvement tools are quite extensive, I have gathered the top 10 process improvement tips commonly recommended by many industry experts.

The top 10 tips for better process improvements are:

Tip #1. Start With Non-Strategic Processes
- The benefit of taking on smaller projects is you”ll be able to get a “quick hit of success” and gain momentum for future projects.
Tip #2. Build A Process Improvement Team
- Creating a team with the necessary skills and tools will allow you to go in like a SWAT team and isolate and address specific issues.
Tip #3. Set Realistic Expectations
- Setting and managing expectations is one of the most critical elements in process improvement. Be realistic in what you can and cannot deliver. Otherwise, it sets up failure for future process improvement projects.
Tip # 4. Start Small To Gain Experience And Confidence
- As outlined on tip #1, start off with something you can wrap your team around; especially on the initial start of a process improvement initiative.
Tip #5. Don”t Think Technology Is The Silver Bullet
- Technology is a great tool but it won”t resolve problems. That said, it’s all about the people and their ability to leverage the tools they have to use.
Tip #6. Do Use Technology To Improve A Process
- As in tip #5, technology is a wonderful tool but you need to refine the procedure, the systems and, more importantly, the people who are responsible for the process.
Tip #7. Don”t Give Up!
- Need we say more?
Tip #8. Make Sure You Have Sufficient Resources
- You can always have too little resources but you can”t have too many! From personnel to money, it all needs to be addressed at the beginning of a project.
Tip #9. Consider A Consultant
- Bringing in a fresh perspective may spot inefficiencies you’ve missed. When someone says “this is the way it’s always been done” you know it’s time to get an outside perspective.
- Thats where I come into the picture.
Tip #10. Gain Senior Management Support
- If the top management isn”t 100% committed to process improvement it will fail. That said, many businesses give a 25% - 50% year-end incentive bonus to their executive team if they implement process improvement in their division or department; conversely, they lose the bonus if they don”t hit the desired outcome.

Following these tips will help you gain more control on implementing or managing your company’s process improvement efforts. Should you need additional information on this subject, you may want to consider xintacting me personally or professionally for assistance. Anyone that knows me can appreciate my always there offer of springboard assistance to a friend and business associate. If you need anything more, I am available for short-term, hourly, or demand or strategic weekend events.