Process Development
Developing a new business process is much like developing a new product. The only problem is that it's intangible - it only exists as a result of what people do.
The characteristics of good product design can be applied to this task with good effect, ensuring:
- integration between the different elements, or sub-processes;
- robustness
- simplicity, efficiency and completeness.
MMLs approach to process development is built around these charateristics and has delivered major improvements.
“MML gave people the knowledge and confidence to change the business process. We now have the capability to continue to make changes ourselves.”
Michael Cronin, President Food Flexible Europe and Brazil, Alcan Lawson Mardon Packaging
Mapping Techniques
Helping clients redesign their processes over the last ten years has convinced us that, although mapping tools are important, it is essential that maps identify:
- what people do, not just the logical flow;
- exceptions - it never works perfectly all the time;
- how different parts of the organisation interact - the most common area for process failure.
Design Skills
Another essential is the need for qualified and experienced designers. Good process design, like good product design; demands:
- knowledge of the business and its processes;
- experience of the design task;
- understanding of the technology and what is possible.
Case Studies
F G Wilson: Integrated Learning and Support
Selkirk: Building Capability and Ownership to Improve Profit