If you are responsible for the running of a business process you will probably be required to regularly review certain reports that help you to manage the process. Many people switch off when they have to do this on an ongoing basis. They don't make the best decisions when the information isn't reviewed...

Do you have time to do the same job twice in your business? Most people I speak to look at me as if I am daft when I pose this question.

5S is a popular, simple and effective improvement approach. It is used effectively by many businesses, but for others it can be a struggle. I have just published my short report on how to make 5S really work for businesses. If you have already attempted a 5S implementation, but aren't happy with how it is working out, then my report can help you to get it back on track. The report includes my recommendations on improving how 5S programmes work, based on my hands on experience of helping businesses to get their 5S implementations working and actually delivering tangible results. For more details - click here. Giles Johnston Creator of the ' Making It Happen ' online course for improving personal change management skills.

I'm trying to find out a little more about the challenges that people face when trying to improve their on time delivery performance. If you have ten seconds to spare, could you let me know your current challenge? What's the main reason that stops your business from achieving a consistent on time delivery performance? A lack of robust business processes. Constantly changing customer demand. The senior management team haven't bought in to the need for change. No structure, or routine, to the way the business operates. Poor computerised systems (e.g. MRP / ERP / CRM). Other Please Specify: Poll Maker Thanks, Giles Johnston Creator of the ' Making It Happen ' online course for improving personal change management skills.

How many processes do you have in your business that you bend and twist, trying to accommodate the way people work? I know of many businesses that feel this same frustration. They design a process for their business, to improve how it works, and then find that no one uses it.

Do you like meetings? I used to hate meetings; I refused to go to them if they didn't have agendas (and then my bosses would tell me that I had to go anyway!). I thought most of them were pointless.

There are loads of different improvement methods and tools you can use in your business. I speak to many people who are determined to use a specific tool to help their business. Then, I ask them what they are trying to achieve.

Pressing the 'launch' button, on many things in life, can make us draw back with hesitation. Will the improvement work? Will our clients like the newsletter? How will the team respond to the suggestion?

An interesting challenge was put on the table, a need to provide a specific piece of information each week to the Managing Director of a business. The person responsible for the piece of information said that they could provide it. After the meeting I asked the person how they would provide the information, I was unaware of what tools they had to provide the information and I was genuinely curious.

Continuous improvement is a funny thing . One minute you're working on something that you do all of the time, and the next minute you are in a conversation with one of your colleagues that inspires your next idea to improve how your business works.

MRP systems can be brilliant for business. If you are involved with the running of a business' operation then you will be all too aware of the juggling act that needs to take place. ERP systems effectively give you additional pairs of arms to make this an easier task. So why do so many people complain about their MRP system ? Can MRP systems really be our friends? After people have complained about their system they often then consider what other systems are available and wonder whether the new system would be better.

My new online programme 'Making It Happen' is now available to join. Online change management skills course It is designed to help you make change happen more effectively, and more efficiently, in your business. There are 12 modules, one delivered each week to you via the Internet. The modules include worksheets and exercises (so you can put these ideas into practice) as appropriate. For more information, and to sign up, please visit: http://www.smartspeed.co.uk/making-it-happen/ Giles Johnston Author of Business Process Re-Engineering

My consumer guide on buying process improvement services is now available for free. For more information please visit:  http://www.smartspeed.info/p/consumer-guide-buying-process.html Or, to download it directly please use this link: http://www.smartspeed.co.uk/consumer_guide/consumer_guide.pdf Giles Johnston Author of Business Process Re-Engineering