3 steps for fixing operational inefficiencies

This article on ITWorld.com is both refreshing and unsettling at the same time. The article describes a few of the government’s current inefficient processes and what CIO Vivek Kundra is doing to fix it.

It’s refreshing because our national CIO plans to change things. It’s unsettling because, although I knew the government was inefficient, I had no idea it was that bad. For example, processing benefits for veterans takes 160 days and involves passing manila folders from one desk to another, or even mailing folders to other offices. Furthermore, the patent process takes three years because of all the redundant data entry and antiquated systems.

I know there are many companies dealing with some of the same problems. Maybe not the 3-year turnaround time, but inefficient processes nonetheless. If your company deals with similar inefficiencies (and you want to fix them), follow these 3 steps:

1. Determine exactly where the inefficiencies lie.
2. Map out your end goals. How should things operate?
3. Make a step-by-step roadmap to achieve your goals.

I realize not all of those steps are straightforward. Sometimes, you know there’s a better way to operate, but you don’t know what it is or how to get there. If you want some help, talk to one of our business consultants. They’ll help you understand where your problems lie, what you should be doing differently, and how to get there.