Lean + Intelligent Automation

LinkedIn asked me to contribute to a Lean Six Sigma article and I couldn't help myself to write this article as they only gave me 800 word space - so here's the extended version:

"What is the process for selecting the most valuable Lean Six Sigma solutions? How to define the problem and the goal"

Before you can generate and select solutions, you need to have a clear understanding of the problem you are trying to solve and the goal you are trying to achieve.

In our red-hot industry of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Gen AI - these buzzwords dominate discussions about business process optimization. However, amidst this tech-driven fervor, the foundational principles of Lean Six Sigma often take a backseat, even though they are more relevant than ever. Businesses need to move from defining their problems and goals from a tech-first lens ("We want to automate XYZ process because everyone else is" or "We're not using GenAI, how can we use GenAI?") to Lean thinking one, before diving headfirst into the latest technologies.

At its core, Lean thinking is about streamlining operations to deliver maximum value to the customer while minimizing waste. It emphasizes understanding customer needs, identifying value-added activities, and eliminating non-value-added ones. This philosophy ensures that businesses are always aligned with customer demands and are continuously improving to meet those demands efficiently.

The mindset of automating quickly as-is is rife in the industry - creating the risk of automating inefficient processes or investing in solutions that don't address the actual pain points. This not only results in wasted resources but can also exacerbate existing inefficiencies.

We're called Lean Intelligent Automation for a reason, a double entendre to use Lean thinking to automate in an intelligent way.

How to define problem and goal (or rather define the goal first, and then discover what's getting in the way) - Map out processes, identify bottlenecks, gather metrics to find the highest value areas for improvement, and peel the onion to identify the root cause. Then apply RPA and AI solutions that genuinely enhance efficiency and reduce costs.

my passion lies deeply in emphasizing the importance of refining a process before diving into automation. It's a recurring theme: automating a flawed process only magnifies its inefficiencies. If you're looking to integrate lean thinking, RPA, and AI seamlessly into your operations, I invite you to reach out. We're at the forefront of crafting innovative technology solutions for challenges even as vast as space. Currently, we're offering four exclusive slots for those interested in trialing and contributing to the evolution of our product.

I'm always eager to engage in meaningful conversations, understand the unique challenges you face, and exchange insights and ideas. Let's collaborate and pave the way for smarter, more efficient processes.

Learn how we’re Making AI and Automation simple for small-medium firms. So you quickly know exactly WHERE to automate, WHAT to use, HOW to use it. https://leania.ai