Switch on the TV or open a newspaper these days and it's a certainty they'll be something on the threat of climate change. The end is nigh. We're all doomed. It doesn't make comfortable reading. And if the situation isn't bad enough neither does there seem to be a human solution. Global problem with no human solution? Yes, perhaps. The jury's still out. The world's got a global problem but not the global governance needed; in fact populations seem increasingly nationalistic. The … [Read more...]
Business Software. Who’s in control? Seven signs your organisation isn’t getting the most from its software apps.
Seems like a strange question doesn’t it? Right now you’re possibly thinking of course our business software is working for us … that’s why we have it ... that’s why we pay for the licences. OK fair point, let me rephrase my question. Is your software working as well for your business as it could or should? If the answer’s "no" or "maybe" then read on. Why should I care about optimising my organisation's use of business software? Because business software exists to increase … [Read more...]
Business processes. Why do they matter? How to make yours best in class.
Much of my work involves reviewing companies’ processes and procedures. This is in order to establish them formally within the business and to find and implement improvements. Perhaps the organisation has grown to a point where its operations are too large to control without more formality. It might have standard processes and procedures already which need updating or re-establishing. Business processes explained I should say here that by “business processes” I mean the groups of … [Read more...]
Stop digging. Have a look around. Find out what customers value about your company’s operations.
Of course to determine the best way to run the business, management has to look outside and inside the organisation. But for me, looking externally to understand what customers value is the priority. What it is about the products, services, service-levels, quality, price and location that influences customers’ decisions to do business with your company? Apply efficiencies only to effective operations If we think of effectiveness as “doing the right things” and think of efficiency as “doing … [Read more...]
Data Protection. What is the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)? What impact will it have? What should I do?
Next year on 25 May the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) comes into force. GDPR will replace the existing “EC Data Protection Directive” and is intended to harmonise personal data protection across the EU. Below I describe my understanding of GDPR and its likely impact. Before you read on though here’s my disclaimer … I’m not a lawyer and this is not legal advice! A significant change in the potential fines for a breach Someone commented to me that this new law differs … [Read more...]
Lend me your watch! Why just knowing isn’t usually enough. Why use a consultant?
Only very recently a friend was discussing his business with me. As he talked I began to understand some of the key issues facing his company. It was clear that not only did he understand these issues but also he had a broad understanding of the causes and some ideas on solving them. This had come from his own observations and those of his business mentor. I asked whether he’d put actions in place to address the issues. “Not yet” came the answer. He hadn’t found the time. Freed from the … [Read more...]