Lean 2 - shed the waste

So, what are the benefits of implementing Lean IT?

Many and various is the answer.

First of all, shed the waste of carrying out all those convoluted and inefficient processes. At a client I visited recently, we found that a travel request for an IT expert to fix an urgent problem went through six layers of management in order to gain full authorisation. Lean experts would smell an obvious opportunity here to do better.

A more subtle thing is that by shedding inefficient processes, the IT department becomes more flexible and agile. This makes the CIO better able to respond to business needs. In turn, this makes the IT department more likely to be able to deliver business requirements in a better, more responsive fashion.

That's not all. Let's think about:

• Managing suppliers better with leaner processes
• Delivering projects faster and more consistently
• More control over the Programme portfolio
• Service level agreements that are end-to-end and reflect real business needs

The list goes on - and you can add your own thoughts.

My main point is that the benefits of implementing Lean IT are enormous.

Don't be left behind. Work out what you need to do and go for it.

Collaborators will not be shot

In fact collaboration is vitally important for the CIO today.

We need to work smarter. We need to cope with losing experienced personnel as they retire or move on to other posts. We need to fire up the incoming generation who are used to using their computers and the web to interact, share, learn.

We need to collaborate.

Lean IT: which way to lean?

I'll be talking a lot more about Lean IT in future, but meanwhile, how are you supposed to start? And what is Lean IT anyway? Many of you will be aware of the concept of Lean: eliminating waste from processes. It started in the automotive manufacturing industry, but has since been applied to other industries and now to services as well as manufacturing.

That's all fine and the idea of eliminating waste from IT Service Delivery (Lean IT) seems like a good idea. But how should you tackle this? Do you need specialists? Should you do it all at once or a bit at a time? In short: which way should you lean?

In these difficult times, my view is that a long-winded drains-up approach is not what is needed. Instead, it is better to focus on the main areas of waste - and pain - in order to see some improvements fast. When I am asked to help a CIO, I carry out a rapid healthcheck to identify the areas that would benefit from immediate attention. Within a few days, we know where to focus attention.

Then there's the question of what meaningful improvements Lean IT delivers. That's something I will expand upon in the days to come.

Introduction

It's a tough life whether you are a CIO yourself or whether you are advising one. So many things to do, so many options to consider. This blog aims to act as your friend, reminding you of things you can do and, maybe, giving you inspiration to do some new things too. It's good to share experience, both give and take.

And occasionally, we'll be light hearted. There's no harm in going to work with a smile on your face, feeling cheerful.

Let's see what we can blog.