My book ' Business Process Re-engineering ' is now available in Vietnamese. If you would like further information, and to purchase, please visit  http://thaihabooks.com/sach-thaiha/798/Thay-dau-cho-bo-may-doanh-nghiep/ Giles About the author Giles Johnston is a Chartered Engineer who specialises in helping businesses to grow and improve through better business processes. Giles is also the author of Business Process Re-Engineering and creator of the ' Making It Happen ' continuous improvement strategies course.

"We deliver everything by the 35th of the month!" That's what I was told by a frustrated Finance Director. On time delivery is a challenge for many businesses, especially when the goal posts appear to move on a daily basis. But, what do you do if you recognise this problem within your own business?

When you undertake continuous improvement activities it is easy to have a broad brush approach. "We'll improve everything!" Everything can take a lot of time, and doesn't mean that you'll get the best results as quickly as possible.

One of the biggest production management challenges is maintaining control over the projects and orders flowing through the business. Keeping all of the balls in the air (so to speak) is sometimes a difficult job. But, if you can get a grip of the few things that matter this can become far easier.

I write a lot about on time delivery in this blog. Delivering products and services on time can provide other indicators (that things are working in the business): An effective management approac h is in place. Meaningful Key Performance Indicators are in use. A disciplined way of working, with good habits, is evident. ...but only if delivering on time isn't a struggle.

Everyone expects products and services to be delivered on time . It’s a basic ‘satisfier’ in any business transaction or project. So, why would I be writing about this as a strategy to grow a business? The world changes quickly (I’m sure that you have noticed!) and with these changes comes new problems to overcome. Customers change their buying habits, new products and services add complexity to the organisation of the delivery and production side of your business. Expectations are increased through the ongoing proliferation of e-commerce and on demand services. So, although on time delivery is expected it is not always experienced.

You're right! There are many strategies to help accelerate continuous improvement projects becoming a reality. But, I want to share one fundamental strategy, without this the others are largely pointless.