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Oct 11
2007
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The Silver Bullet SyndromePosted by Larry in Observations and Lessons Learned |
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No I'm not referring to a popular American beverage. But rather I'm talking about the mindset that contracting for the development of some new automation system capability will deliver business modernization/transformation.
What I'm about to say may seem odd coming from a solutions provider but here it is. No tool, software system, portal, dash board, reports, or any technologieswill bring about improvements in the DoD/Army's ability to operate its business.
The doctrines of Six Sigma (as did TQM and Zero Defects) provide the methodology for improving business processes for the purpose of improving quality in products and services delivered (See wikipedia for Six Sigma). It is through the improvement of business processes that gains in operational effectiveness can be achieved. From this, our customers/(war fighters) are better served, our resources (workforce & tax payer money) are optimally utilized, and we gain competitive advantages over our competitors/(adversaries).
Over the past couple of years, we've learned that helping organizations transform their operations is slow hard work. While PMADS has proven to be an enabler to Six Sigma activities/improving business processes, the 2 critical keys we have found to an organizations business transformation efforts are;
1 - Strong leadership being expended on a constant basis,
2 - Committed workforce positive to doing things differently than the way they've been done in the past.
