There is no business process that cannot be improved upon.

To gain expertise in improving business processes using Lean, consider participating in Lean Six Sigma Awareness Course offered by pdtraining in Brisbane, Sydney and other cities in Australia.

Identifying problems in a business process that are limiting the business’ performance is the first important step in achieving better results with minimal resources.

Knowing how exactly to conduct the process is essential in identifying, analysing and improving existing business processes.

First Step: Identification of the Problem

Identification of the problem shall include the time the problem started, why it started and who is responsible for it. When identifying a problem, the goal of the diagnosis must be SMART:

• Specific
• Measurable
• Achievable
• Realistic
• Timely

The entire process of identification, analysis and rectification must lead to financial benefits to the business. Even if the corrections itself do not directly lead to financial benefits, they must ultimately lead to it. The growth must be measurable to achieve monetary gains.

As every business depends on its customers to flourish, an important part of a business process improvement is to find out how the problem is affecting the customers directly or indirectly.

Step 2: Measure the Problem

After identifying a problem, data needs to be collected to make the problem measurable. Effective collection of data will require exceptional organising skills. Without carefully structured and well organised data, it will become difficult to measure the problem comfortably and accurately.

Step 3: Analyse the Data

After the data has been collected and made measurable, it needs to be analysed deeply. This step is immensely important because only precise and intelligent analysis could lead to effective resolution of the problem. The primary function of analysing the data is to find the root of the problem. Resolution can start from the root.

Step 4: Develop Solutions

Based on the root of the problem and with the help of measurable data, the team of experts develop measurable solutions to the problem that are durable, use minimum of resources to implement and bring immediate financial gains. After developing solutions, testing of solutions is done to see its effectiveness.

Step 5: Control the Improvement

The improvement if short-lived will mean wastage of resources and recurrence of the problem. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) can be put in place to ensure that the improvement is carried out seamlessly. Building methods to control improvement that are automated or use minimal resources can help in making them long-term. Improvement is negated if proper and timely steps are not taken to control the improvement.

Each step of the business process improvement is important and must be conducted immaculately. The difference between a business that uses business process improvement and one that does not is striking. The process must include practical methods to lower waste and increase profitability.

Related Article…

Pdtraining delivers 1000’s of professional development courses each year in Brisbane, Sydney, Parramatta, Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra and Perth, so you can be assured your training will be delivered by a qualified and experienced trainer.

All public Lean Six Sigma Awareness courses include am/pm tea, lunch, printed courseware and a certificate of completion.  Customised courses are available upon request so please contact pdtraining on 1300 121 400 to learn more.