This article discusses the increasing importance of operational efficiency in our current economic environment. In our SI industry, we face a number of labor challenges including retirement of senior engineers, challenges attracting new talent, and compensation pressures to retain the talent that we do have. Additionally, benefits of improving operational efficiency include cost optimization, increased profitability, customer satisfaction, and enhanced competitiveness. Here are some tips for project-based organizations:
- Automate Processes: Automation of routine and repeatable tasks, including project-related activities, enhances output quality, speeds up delivery, optimizes employee time, and allows for more sophisticated tasks.
- Timely Eliminate Bottlenecks: Identifying and addressing bottlenecks and issues in a timely manner is crucial, especially in multi-project environments where project dependencies can impact overall productivity.
- Promote Collaboration: Effective collaboration between team members or teams reduces silos, conflicting priorities, and rework, fostering creativity and problem-solving.
- Prioritize Work: Work prioritization at both task and project levels helps concentrate on critical activities, improving team efficiency and resource utilization.
- Utilize Resources Efficiently: Planning resources for upcoming projects, proper task assignment, and managing workload ensure maximum productivity and efficiency of human resources.
- Increase Employee Engagement: Engaged employees contribute to operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and profitability. Providing manageable workloads, acknowledging contributions, effective communication, and professional development enhance employee engagement.
Beware that the article does include a pitch for Epicflow, a resource management system. Nevertheless, there is a compelling case for Sis to focus more than ever on their operational efficiency. In our current environment, we have to learn how to more with less. If you are struggling in this area, give us a call. We’re here to listen and help.