Process Management

clip from The Even More Incredible MachineBefore a process can be managed, there must be a process. Sounds obvious? Of course it does. But what is the process? Is it “we have always done it this way” or is it an even more incredible machine?

So how to create a process that can be managed? A process that only measures results is doomed to fail. Why? Because it does not provide an opportunity for correction. Results have to be measured after the process is complete, right? A process that provides for evaluation at key steps — when a change is possible — can always succeed.

Processes that can be managed may or may not be automated. The requirements for human interaction are quite different than those for automation. Systems that try to replicate human interactions are convoluted, difficult to maintain, and costly to develop. There is a better way.

Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please.
– Mark Twain (1835-1910)