Most of us have the unpleasant experiences dealing with bureaucratic procedure in government agency, public utilities provider, real estate agents or even within our own organization. We felt frustrated when these administrative procedures take too long or have errors. Many minor and big projects get stagnated and lose their deadlines just because of a bureaucratic procedure that did not help us comply with the regulations, delivery of supplies, staffing, and many other issues.
Many companies which have already experienced the advantages of Lean Implementations in their Manufacturing facilities have started to implement Lean Office Systems. Like their counterparts in the factory floor, the office teams reduce unnecessary delays: paperwork, trips, copies, waiting for signatures, duplicated operations and a few other actions. If you are currently implementing lean manufacturing in your plant, you should implement an effective lean system in your administrative office.
With the introduction of Sarbanes-Oxley Act, companies needed to strengthen corporate governance and internal control. Lean Office is about finding better way to improve administrative tasks by getting rid of the non value added activities. While applying lean principles in an office environment could save thousands of dollars and many hours of labor, the improved version is often a much streamlined and transparent process. Office Value Stream Mapping is an effective tool to identify the weak links or broken processes. Office Kaizen, a Focus Kaizen methodology developed for lean office, is proven to be very effective in fixing the broken processes without spending heavily in fancy software or office equipment.
Lean office is not just about cost saving. By shortening customer waiting time or providing error free services, it enhances the ability to provide a pleasant experience to the customer. The ability to delight customers every time is a key to drive business to new heights. Many non-manufacturing companies, from offices of a construction firm to a real estate agent, have begun to adopt lean office to streamline their office operation. Through proper implementations, lean office promotes teamwork and boost employee morale. It strengthens and unites the office team. Those who try it may find that Lean Office can make a difference in the way they do business.
Some of the Office Kaizen examples :
The results have been impressive. The reality is we all need to become more efficient in order to remain competitive and our administrative support should be no exception. We can provide help. Contact us at enquiry@pamalex.com for more information.
