Select the right ERP and the right features from the start for a faster rise to operational success.
Technology alone won’t create operational improvement, much less operational excellence – even if you have a great ERP in place. It will never be enough to simply buy the latest device or implement the newest technology. It takes the balance of proven technology, expert management, and dedicated human capital to even get on the playing field of operational excellence.
To achieve true operational improvement, you need a robust ERP ecosystem that is the technology mainstay to support optimized business processes. It must be reinforced by an effective change management strategy, an accountable management team, and capable, well-trained users throughout the entire organization.
Operational excellence is the goal, surpassing operational improvement. After all, every company strives to advance to the top, but what does it take to get there?
What is Operational Excellence?
Operational Excellence is the execution of a business strategy that is more consistent and reliable than the competition, with lower operational risk, lower operating costs, and increased revenues relative to its competitor.
Simply stated, operational excellence means creating a business that outperforms the competition by doing things better than your competitors. This high benchmark requires making continual improvements to achieve a competitive advantage.
Generally, operation departments do one or all these things:
- Drive revenue
- Create value for customers
- Deliver services
With those all-critical needs, there are many departments or processes that support any of the items which include HR, Finance, Marketing, Sales, IT, Legal, and Facilities management.
A Combination of Art & Science
Successful operational improvement and excellence on every level is a combination of art and science that blends solid executional methodology, technology infrastructure, and business strategy with more fluid, cogent human capabilities, attitudes, and skill sets.
Best Practices and Strategies to Achieve Operational Excellence
- Choose a methodology that matches your strategy – A methodology to support your strategy entails considering your business’ objectives, initiatives, and measures.
- Define your goals – Prioritize business goals with realistic timelines and resources.
- Get employees onboard as soon as possible – A collaborative and all-in approach.
- Communicate, communicate, communicate – Under-communicating kills good intent.
- Continuous operational excellence – You cannot get there and stop. It’s ongoing.
Prepare for Continuous Operational Improvement
Striving for operational excellence never ends. It’s gratifying to feel energized by wins and successes, but the process to maintain operational improvement or operational excellence is ongoing. To ensure that your employees will continue to participate in activities that help them connect strategy to daily tasks, continue to challenge them to deliver value more efficiently to customers, contribute their best, and discover improved ways to perform tasks.
Motivating your employees and keeping the best people on the team is a positive way to ensure ongoing operational improvement. The human capital side of achieving operational excellence should never be undervalued. Some solid helpful ways to keep your finest people on board include these tips.
- Make your business a pleasant place to be.
- Be respectful, honest, and supportive.
- Offer employee rewards based on merit.
- Give them room to grow and expand their skills.
- Share positive feedback that will encourage them.
- Be transparent and accessible.
- Offer flexible scheduling.
- Offer food in the workplace.
- Recognize their achievements openly.
- Ask them what they want and respect their ideas.
Remember, to achieve operational excellence at every level of your company’s journey requires a balance of technology, management, and human capital. Finding a healthy balance of these critical components will not happen overnight, but staying on target with solid goals, doable strategies, proven methodologies, and dedicated purpose will help to clarify the result much sooner.
When it comes to your options for proven technology choose an ERP software solution you can count on. Conexus SG has a smart ERP Mapping Tool to help optimize your business and get you one step closer to operational excellence.
By identifying your company’s essential competencies and business operations, you will know exactly what ERP solution is best for your business. Download this helpful ERP Mapping Tool to help reach operational excellence faster.