How do you measure and improve the efficiency of your ERP workflows?

1 Workflow management

Workflow management is the process of designing, implementing, monitoring, and improving workflows within an ERP system. Workflow management aims to ensure that the workflows are aligned with the business objectives, follow the best practices, and meet the quality and performance standards. Workflow management also involves identifying and resolving any issues or bottlenecks that may arise in the workflows, such as errors, delays, redundancies, or conflicts. Workflow management can help you streamline your processes, reduce costs, enhance customer satisfaction, and comply with regulations.

2 Workflow optimization

Workflow optimization is the process of analyzing, testing, and refining workflows to make them more efficient, effective, and adaptable. Workflow optimization can involve various methods and tools, such as data analytics, simulation, automation, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Workflow optimization can help you optimize your resources, increase your output, improve your accuracy, and respond to changing needs and demands. Workflow optimization can also help you gain a competitive edge, foster innovation, and create value for your stakeholders.

3 Workflow measurement

Workflow measurement is the process of collecting, tracking, and evaluating data and metrics related to the workflows within an ERP system. Workflow measurement can help you assess the performance, quality, and impact of your workflows, as well as identify areas for improvement or innovation. Workflow measurement can involve various indicators and methods, such as key performance indicators (KPIs), benchmarks, dashboards, reports, and feedback. Workflow measurement can help you monitor your progress, evaluate your results, and adjust your strategies accordingly.

4 Workflow improvement

Workflow improvement is the process of implementing changes and enhancements to the workflows based on the findings and insights from workflow measurement and optimization. Workflow improvement can help you achieve your goals and objectives, as well as address any gaps or challenges that may emerge in your workflows. Workflow improvement can involve various actions and steps, such as redesigning, reengineering, simplifying, standardizing, or automating workflows. Workflow improvement can help you increase your efficiency, effectiveness, and agility, as well as ensure continuous improvement and learning.

5 Workflow challenges

Workflow challenges are the obstacles or difficulties that may hinder or prevent the successful management and optimization of workflows within an ERP system. Workflow challenges can arise from various factors, such as complexity, variability, uncertainty, or change. Workflow challenges can affect the quality, performance, and outcomes of your workflows, as well as the satisfaction and engagement of your employees and customers. Workflow challenges can be overcome by applying the appropriate techniques and tools, as well as by fostering a culture of collaboration, communication, and innovation.

6 Workflow best practices

Workflow best practices are the principles and guidelines that can help you manage and optimize your workflows effectively and efficiently within an ERP system. Depending on the type, size, and nature of your business and workflows, these practices may vary, but some common ones include defining and documenting workflows clearly and consistently, aligning them with business goals and strategies, simplifying and streamlining them where possible, automating and integrating them where beneficial, monitoring and measuring them regularly, analyzing and optimizing them proactively, implementing and evaluating improvements continuously, involving employees in processes, and learning from experiences.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?