We choose productivity as the basis for success because it offers the greatest opportunity for a better work environment and a better, also lower, cost way of doing things. All Why Productivity?but a very few organizations can benefit from improvements in their productivity.
As an example of the size of the opportunity available through productivity improvement, its cost reduction area dwarfs the size of the current rage, outsourcing. Outsourcing of certain functional areas can in fact be harmful to the reputation and effectiveness of the enterprise which does the outsourcing. This especially true of customer service applications.
That portion of the customer service function which deals with customer complaints is uniquely positioned to assist the organization to improve its ways of doing things. The complaints of the customer are often based upon poorly designed internal processing systems.
In the author's experience as a full time consultant over a 10 year period, virtually every enterprise has the capability to obtain between 5 per cent and 25 percent cost reductions as a result of full implementation of productivity enhancement programs for existing systems.
There are two types of productivity improvement. The first is technology improvement. A very good example of technology improvement is word processing. Before word processing came into existence, the way a business letter was created was for the writer to write out the letter by hand, give it to someone to type, proof read, correct and return to the writer. The writer then proof read the letter again and then sent it out. With word processing, the writer prepares the letter on the word processor. After the word processor checks the spelling, the letter is proof read by the writer who thens prints out the letter and sends it out. Technology has made this task simpler and quicker.
Technology improvements most often appear as new products. Your systems have to be adjusted to incorporate the new product. Often this results in a hidden cost factor in adopting the new technology.
Large, well managed organizations, are very sensitive to the need to keep up to date with technical developments. They establish an information flow and communication system between the various business unit general managers and the technical disciplines. The technical disciplines have "subject matter experts" (SME) who are responsible insure that the general managers understand how the technical issues affect their business units. The impact could be to open areas for new product development. It could present competition. It could also offer opportunities to improve the production of existing products.
The communication between the general managers and the SME's is proactive in both directions. This produces a cross transfer of concepts and ideas within the organization.
The second type of productivity improvement is a change in the way in which a function or process is performed which makes the function or task simpler or reduces the labor content of the task. An example of this type improvement would be to change a report layout of a warehouse pick ticket from item number sequence to physical location sequence. This change will require less travel activity to pick an order than the former sequance. In this instance we have made the task simpler and more organized to preform.
It is in the second example that we see the opportunities which are present in the vast majority of organizations. It is important to note that this kind of opportunity is within the control of the organization and as such can be used extensively as a management tool. These opportunities are often visible to the workers who are engaged in performing the various tasks.
Their observations can be converted to specific approaches which can improve the process.
The various skills and tools which we will be discussing here are all needed to obtain the data and present operational practices. Once that information is available, we use the same tools to develop and test the proposed new methods for the enterprise. It is because the tools and methods are missing from present curriculum that we include them in this discussion. The development of better productivity becomes more efficient when these tools are applied to this subject.
The missing elements are: work measurement theory and practice, budgeting, production theory and practice, and other skills which are mentioned as they are discussed.
Related Articles
By: | 31/12/1969 |
The 3 Little Known Secrets To Daily Productivity
By: Aaron Potts | 26/02/2007 | Self Help
Whether you have a business that is based out of your home, or if you want to maximize your efforts at your job, there are 3 basic concepts that will ensure your success.
By learning about and embracing these 3 simple - and free - success techniques you will not only...
What Are the Highest and Best Directions for Your Offerings and Talents?
By: Donald Mitchell | 18/01/2008 | Management
If we aim at less than what we and our offerings can provide we shortchange customers and ourselves. As the world changes, we need to constantly review how we can provide better applications of our offerings and talents.
Stuck... What Does It Mean? A Nine Step Plan To Get Unstuck
By: Suzi Elton | 10/02/2008 | Self Help
Frequently clients state that they feel "stuck". What does it mean when someone expresses that they are stuck or feel stuck?
Some of the things feeling "stuck" can mean:
- They have a wide range of potential options and are unclear as to how to narrow down their choices and focus on...
Persuasion Tip in Dealing With Irate Clients
By: Michael Lee | 16/02/2007 | Self Improvement
Having an upset client is one of the most challenging situations a salesperson can face. Here are some persuasive ways to pacify the angry customer.
Speak Easy: the Importance of Communication in the Real Estate Industry
By: Joshua Keen | 22/07/2008 | Customer Service
In order to stay on top of all your clients' inquiries, it's a good idea to schedule a time each day that is dedicated solely to replying to emails and phone calls. Clients will appreciate having their concerns dealt with in short order, and they will see you as a well-organized and attentive agent.
"Bump In The Road" Theory: Do You Give Up Too Easily? Six Steps To Take
By: Suzi Elton | 10/02/2008 | Self Help
It seems there are two main types of coaching clients: Those who are defeated by nothing and those who give up at the first "bump in the road". The operative word is "bump", not "hill", not "mountain", not "mountain range" but "bump".
What does this mean? This refers to the type...
Leadership and Details Make the Difference
By: Joe Farcht | 16/08/2007 | Advice
To get the details right at the point of service (or product delivery), people need to be trained and developed to deliver superior service or products. They need to possess the right attitudes, competencies, and motivation. There is only one way that can happen.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
I would like a list of NJ organizations like ...
By: Deborah Placentra | 23-07-2008
I would like a list of NJ organizations like Knights of columbus, Rotary , any womens organizations to market the Benefits of Dental Implants as an alternative to conventional Dentistry. I would come in as the speaker to the groups.
What is legal in cosmetics in Calif. Considered Safe
By: Donna | 22-07-2008
Making cosmetics and room sprays
1. is it leagal to use witchazel in a face toner and would it still be considered a cosmetic?
2. is it legal to use alcohol as a preserative in a room spray not to be used on the body but as a spray in the air for your kitchen or bathroom?
Emergency vet care for my pit bull
By: RED | 21-07-2008
My 11 year old pitbull is very sick and I live on disability income. He is my life and the Humane Society will only help him if I surrender him. I won't do that, and I can't afford to take him to a vet. He ate an onion bagel and now it looks like his kidneys may have shut down because even though he's eating and drinking, he's in a great deal of pain walking and getting up and he won't go outside to go to the bathroom. I'm at my wit's end.......I've had him since I watched him being born and he is the only thing I have in life that means anything to me. Someone, please help me, I don't know what to do other than giving him penicillin. RED (602) 276-0191.
WWII Vetrans Memorial visit
By: Lyle C. Arthur | 20-07-2008
War World II vetran would like to visit the WWII Vetrans Memorial in Washington DC. He is 82 years old a\nd would like help regarding the visit.
Am looking for a business called premier that is ...
By: davincihair | 19-07-2008
am looking for a business called premier that is in the Mens hair replacement supply
I live in NorthWest, Louisiana. I am disabled and ...
By: Miss Vickie | 19-07-2008
I live in NorthWest, Louisiana. I am disabled and I am on Medicare and Medicaid. I am trying to find someone to help me find someone to help me pay for glasses. I can't pay for them. I am legally blind
Q&A Powered by:
Education 
