Process Improvement (2 of 2): Improving Processes - Steps That Work - John M. Leask II CPA/ABV, CVA

Process Improvement

Part 2 of a 2 part series

Warning Signs: SIGNS A PROCESS NEEDS IMPROVEMENT

    • Falling profits with stable or growing sales, stable prices and costs.
    • Net sales to total assets out of line with industry averages.
    • Unnecessary duplication.

  • Bottlenecks.
  • Missing information.
  • Missing resources.
  • Poor morale.
  • Rejects.
  • Customer complaints.
  • Absenteeism.

Steps to Improve: THE PROCESS

  • Eliminate unneeded steps.
  • Add value as the customer sees it.
  • Eliminate error.
  • Combine steps.
  • Reduce hand offs.
  • Eliminate bottlenecks.
  • Reduce cycle time.
  • Perform steps in parallel, not serial order.
  • Study causes of rejects.
  • Better match resources, information and employees.
  • Improve use of technology.
  • Improve internal communications.
  • Improve morale.

Steps to Improve: RESULTS

  • Study consumer complaints.
  • Study customer feedback.
  • Establish performance measurements.

Back to The Business Doctor

>>Process Improvement (1 of 2): Improving Processes - The Key
>>Process Improvement (2 of 2): Improving Processes - Steps That Work