Horizons Spring/Summer 2021

sales and order completion tasks at each office. Note that the examples provided above show changes to a segment of the order to cash process. These changes, while not a wholesale revision of the process, can be impactful to business cost and efficiency. When initiating process improvement projects, there are pitfalls to avoid. First, include all stakeholders when implementing the project. Working in a silo, leaving out “problem” people, and leaving out minor stakeholders could end up hampering the effectiveness of the improvements. This is because you may not receive full buy- in from those left out, and they may not fully implement the change as a result. Additionally, these individuals could provide valuable input on whether the proposed change or improvement could work across departments, including obstacles that are in your blind spot. It is also important not to underestimate the work the project may take or to underestimate the overall benefit of the changes or improvements. Your team may not realize how much effort it is to change a business process, and it is important you acknowledge that challenge.

However, you also want to emphasize that the change may make their actions more effective and less wasteful. Improving business processes can be challenging but also rewarding to the stakeholders who complete the project. Making minor changes to processes can ultimately free the team to work on more challenging and interesting work, such as analysis and strategy, and to better serve customers.

BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT SERVICES

At RubinBrown, we're committed to providing services that create value, wealth and prosperity for our clients and the community. The Business Improvement team is experienced in delivering process improvement and business intelligence solutions to your most critical issues.

Rick Feldt, CPA, CGMA Partner-In-Charge Business Advisory Services 314.290.3220 rick.feldt@rubinbrown.com

Kara Hershberger, CPA, CIA, CISA, CFE Partner Business Improvement Services 702.579.7034 kara.hershberger@rubinbrown.com

Spring/Summer 2021

5