Sometimes when we look at a process improvement opportunity we struggle to quickly identify the benefits that the business will receive.
The idea might feel right, but the initial review of the benefits might come up short.
What do you do in this situation?
A client of mine had the same problem last week.
From automating some of the clerical work the Production Manager reckoned he would save half an hour a week. Not a great time saving, but something nonetheless.
So, we explored who else would be affected by the changes within the business. The sales team, the production control team and the admin team.
When we totalled up the projected savings there were two full days of time that could be saved across all of the groups.
This improvement now really did feel right!
If you're wondering if your improvement ideas are going to make the grade, in terms of benefits back into the business, then consider the wider impact of the change. Who, other than you and your direct team, would benefit from the improvement work?
Add it up, it might surprise you.
Giles Johnston
Author of Business Process Re-Engineering and creator of the 'Making It Happen' online course for improving continuous improvement skills.
The idea might feel right, but the initial review of the benefits might come up short.
What do you do in this situation?
A client of mine had the same problem last week.
From automating some of the clerical work the Production Manager reckoned he would save half an hour a week. Not a great time saving, but something nonetheless.
So, we explored who else would be affected by the changes within the business. The sales team, the production control team and the admin team.
When we totalled up the projected savings there were two full days of time that could be saved across all of the groups.
This improvement now really did feel right!
If you're wondering if your improvement ideas are going to make the grade, in terms of benefits back into the business, then consider the wider impact of the change. Who, other than you and your direct team, would benefit from the improvement work?
Add it up, it might surprise you.
Giles Johnston
Author of Business Process Re-Engineering and creator of the 'Making It Happen' online course for improving continuous improvement skills.