Improving process improvement

Improving how your business works can be a daunting challenge for any leader. It requires time and considerable effort to dig deep into the inner workings of any firm. So it’s no surprise that many park it in the ‘too difficult’ pile and never get round to tackling it. However that can leave you exposed to risk (eg regulatory non-compliance) or competitive disadvantage (eg higher costs).

The CoBOS team have been through more process improvements initiatives than we care to remember. We know what works and what doesn’t. And we know how to help clients whilst not making unrealistic demands on their time.

Our clients come to us with very different levels of understanding of their business processes. Some already have extensive process maps and are seeking the benefits that come from automation. Whereas others are starting with a totally blank piece of paper and just want to gain some control.

We use a simple maturity model comprised of three stages. Where you are in the model helps us determine how best to help you.

Stage 1: What are we doing?

We can help you map your core processes, determining which teams are responsible for which activities and identifying your key controls (as set out in your corporate policies).

Stage 2: Are we actually doing it?

We then create automated workflows that generate tasks and approvals for your teams (and supply chain too if needed). You benefit from real-time metrics that automatically highlight areas of performance that need review.

Stage 3: Are we doing it well?

Finally we can integrate your workflows with other systems and critical data-sources, to achieve full orchestration across your firm. We can move to an enhanced automation model where data transfers and report generation are handled by the machine, with human intervention only required by exception.

So is that everything? Well we are highly skilled at helping with all of the above and we'll remain focussed on your business goals throughout. But there are some things we’d recommend you do to ensure a smooth delivery.

Top-Tips

1. Define your goals. Be crystal clear from the outset about the business issue you want to tackle and set out what success looks like. Avoid scope-creep like the plague! Only change your focus when you’re 100% confident your goals have been met.
2. End-user engagement. Be totally clear and transparent with end-users about what you want to achieve. The earlier the better. And then allow them as much free rein as possible to design the new ways of working. After all they know the processes best and will be the ones that will make this a success.
3. Sponsorship. Most business change initiatives cut across organisational boundaries. Do you have the authority to get all the affected teams to change how they work? If not, then you need to get relevant decision-makers on side as early as possible. It might feel tedious having to persuade them of the merits of your vision. But it really will pay dividends when the project hits the inevitable road-block.

So if you’re interested in delivering some positive business change for your organisation then please get in touch: [email protected].

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