When you implement a new process or system in your organization, you want to know if it is working as intended and delivering the expected results. But how can you measure its effectiveness and identify areas for improvement? Here are some steps you can follow to evaluate a new process or system using decision-making skills.
Before you start evaluating a new process or system, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and how you will measure it. You can use SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) goals to set realistic and concrete objectives for your new process or system. You also need to define the criteria that will indicate whether your goals are met or not. These can be quantitative (such as cost, time, quality, productivity, customer satisfaction, etc.) or qualitative (such as feedback, opinions, perceptions, etc.).
One of the most important aspect is that the goal and objectives are clearly outlined ☆ communicated to all stakeholders ? and taken buy-in or sign off The goals should be Few in number but Critical in impact - so I like to define them as CFOs ~ Critical Few Objectives Only after realistic CFOs are set, the new project or system should start.
Initially perform a SMART analysis of the old process to have a benchmark against which to evaluate the new process. This requires a definition of Key success factors.
The next step is to collect and analyze data that will show how your new process or system is performing according to your goals and criteria. You can use various methods and tools to gather and process data, such as surveys, interviews, observations, tests, reports, dashboards, etc. You should also compare your data with the baseline or the previous situation to see the changes and impacts of your new process or system. You should look for patterns, trends, gaps, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in your data.
Once you have analyzed your data, you need to interpret and communicate the results of your evaluation. You should use your decision-making skills to draw conclusions, make recommendations, and propose actions based on your findings. You should also report your results to the relevant stakeholders, such as your team, your manager, your clients, your partners, etc. You should use clear and concise language, visual aids, and evidence to support your claims and persuade your audience.
The final step is to implement and monitor the changes that you suggested or agreed on based on your evaluation. You should follow a plan that outlines the steps, resources, responsibilities, and timelines for the implementation. You should also monitor the progress and outcomes of the changes using the same or similar methods and tools that you used for the evaluation. You should track the performance indicators, collect feedback, and adjust your actions as needed.
Evaluating a new process or system is not a one-time event, but a continuous cycle of improvement. By following these steps, you can use your decision-making skills to assess the effectiveness of your new process or system and make it better.
You can’t improve unless you can measure. Before any initiative, measure the base line. Set the baseline. Get buy in on the baseline. Then launch your plan, initiative, etc. Then monitor movements against the baseline. TLDR: Pre & post assessment. No use doing only one.
Something that might be a hurdle to cross is the lack of comparative data to benchmark the performance of your current project. Creativity regarding the basis for evaluation of success or failure may be required. Above all else, make sure you speak objectively and with data when evaluating performance.