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New stuff is Sexy, Old stuff is Boring

September 26, 2008
We are constantly looking to improve on the tools we use. For example, many of us offer assistance in strategic planning and use the tried and true tool known as the SWOT analysis (strengths, weakness, opportunities, threats). At NAPL we recently created a tool which is based on the John O. Whittney, Strategic Renewal for Business Units writings which is very sexy.

However while new stuff is “sexy” there are times when old tools are still valuable. As a workflow guy I can say with confidence that in talks about workflow some subjects “sexy” such as new digital hardware or web to print solutions while other subject such as analysis tools are boring (but important). The obvious question is why?

Flowcharting is the first step in which you to draw a flow diagram to show how each component depends on others. Then everyone may understand what his job is. If people do not see the process, they cannot improve it.

In creating a flowchart you need to assess how your processes work, the strengths and weaknesses of each. You need to break out in detail who your customers and suppliers are, what products and services you provide, and how they all interrelate. Use your strategic plan for guidance and determine priorities. Consider using a flowchart in this stage for better analysis.

The are several advantages to the flowchart and its creation. One of the benefits of creation a flowchart is that it takes your workflow, which is a intangible process and draws it out , which makes the invisible - visible. There are many problems that can be identified simply in the flowchart. For example: Redundant steps can be identified, Added value can be assessed at each step, Baseline (initial status, capability, or structure) can be compared with results after changes, Identifies routine steps and standard operating procedures (SOP’s)

Flowcharts can also be used in a team environment. It can help identify when different people or different shifts are allowing work to go through the workflow in different ways. It can help develop and define a consensus about a process. The consensus would include what steps are involved and what order the steps fall.

Posted by Howie Fenton on September 26, 2008 | Comments (0)