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.