The way each process is managed in your business has a direct impact upon the overall lead time. If things are taking too long it is often not the individual processes that are to blame, but rather the way these processes are linked together.
A chain of events
I can help your business to improve its lead times by reviewing how the processes are linked together, helping your business to become faster and more responsive to your customers.
Just like passing a baton
When business processes are linked together correctly, there is no confusion and fewer problems arise. Communicating the right information at the right time in the right way can rapidly improve the way that your business delivers its products and services.
I have seen my clients rapidly improve their on-time delivery and reduce their lead times from making the right agreements between the various steps in their system. These significant (and sustainable) gains sometimes take effect in only a matter of days.
Ways to shorten your lead time
Try out these ideas for shortening your business’ lead times:
- Map out your business process(es) and identify all of the linkages.
- Find ways to improve the linkages, and at the same time improve the working relationships between functions / departments.
- Review your process maps and ask yourself ‘where does the continuous flow stop?’ and then develop strategies to minimise or eliminate the delays.
- Identify places in your process that are in the wrong sequence, or no longer add value to the process. Re-organise or eliminate accordingly.
Do you need some support?
I hope that you find the tips useful. If you would like some specific help with lead time reduction then please get in touch using the contact page.