Investing in long-term business improvements is crucial in today’s digital age, where organisations must adapt to new ways of operating and serving customers. While the principles of workflow efficiency and product development remain unchanged, digital transformation enables more efficient approaches to business improvement.
Many organisations initially experience rapid improvements when implementing continuous improvement practices but struggle to sustain long-term gains. Successful organisations distinguish themselves by taking a holistic view of their operations, examining the entire value chain, and fostering unity with common goals and clear leadership.
According to Mikael Göthager, a Senior Management Consultant at CANEA, achieving long-term efficiency and profitability requires using the right tools and methods aligned with organizational goals. This approach ensures sustained improvement beyond initial gains.
Continuous Improvement Methods:
Lean and Six Sigma principles drive organisations towards efficiency by focusing on value for the customer and systematic reduction of waste. Leveraging Six Sigma alongside digital transformation allows organisations to harness data effectively for decision-making and problem-solving. Agile methodologies, stemming from IT roots, offer flexible development processes centered on customer needs and continuous improvement.
Utilising Effective Tools:
Success in business development and improvement relies on systematic approaches and appropriate tools. Key components include:
- Leadership:
Prioritising improvement efforts and setting clear goals. - Visual Workflows:
Mapping processes to understand and identify improvement opportunities while centralising information. - IT Platform Understanding:
Ensuring employees comprehend and utilise IT tools effectively for development. - Employee Engagement:
Encouraging involvement in improvement initiatives and providing a structured way to submit suggestions. - Cross-functional collaboration:
Establishing forums for collaboration and ensuring alignment between strategic and operational activities.
Conclusion:
Establishing a long-term approach to business improvement requires:
- Unity across the organisation with clear goals and leadership.
- Identification and implementation of relevant tools and methods.
- Adoption of an IT platform supporting chosen methods and tools, ensuring user-friendliness and relevance for widespread acceptance.