Everything a business does involves processes that are designed to achieve a certain result. But sometimes, those results aren’t what we would like them to be, and we realise that it is time to bring some changes. Process consulting means the analysis and improvement of company processes by a 3rd party expert.
A process consultant is an external consultant who helps businesses by researching and analysing the processes and systems that a business implements. Once this has been done, he or she will make recommendations to improve these processes and practices with an eye to improving overall efficiency.
How to get started with process consulting
Defining process consulting
The three steps of process consulting
There are three steps that a process consultant will take when working with a business:
The first step is to understand the current situation. This will involve interviewing staff, observing processes, and gathering data.
The second step is to identify areas for improvement. This will involve analysing the data and making recommendations.
The third step is to implement the changes. This will involve working with the business to implement the changes and monitor their progress.
How does process consulting work?
The set of activities that governs good process management requires a high level of organisation. And it is only possible to measure this quality through continuous monitoring of the stages involved.
For this, it is necessary that your company has well established objectives to be achieved, a clear vision about the tasks that actually bring results and the available resources to be employed in this endeavour.
First, it is necessary to identify the areas with the greatest deficiencies in the processes so the processes may be optimised and prioritised correctly.
Process consulting then comes into play, combining problem-solving, technology and management approaches to create optimal strategies in corporate routines.
Below, we list some of the main procedures and strategies used during process consulting:
Mapping – gathering information about current processes, including interviews and other qualitative approaches with the stakeholders involved.
Critical points assessment – after reaching the process map, the time has come to assess the most bureaucratic points or those with the greatest evidence of inefficiency, in addition to proposing actions to mitigate or eliminate these bottlenecks.
Modelling – organisation, design or redesign of the process flow.
Mapping opportunities for improvement – identifying bottlenecks and triggers of wasted resources, which prevent increased productivity.
Standardisation – formalisation of the process steps with employees.
Deployment – definition of how the process will be carried out.
Monitoring – selection of performance indicators for measuring results.
What does a process consultant do?
When to hire a process consultant?
The decision to hire a process consultant should be taken when there are indications that the processes of a company are not working as efficiently as they could be.
There are several factors that can interfere with the efficiency of company processes, such as:
Lack of standardisation;
Ineffective communication between teams;
Redundant tasks;
Lack of automation;
Inconsistent results.
If you notice any of these problems in your company's routine, it is time to seek the help of a process consultant!
What are some of the challenges that can arise during a process consulting engagement, and how do you overcome them ?
There are a few challenges that can arise during a process consulting engagement.
First, consultants may not be familiar with the industry or the company they are working with. This can lead to problems when trying to understand the business and its processes.
Second, consultants may not have the right skills or knowledge to properly advise the company on how to improve its processes. This can lead to ineffective or even harmful advice.
Finally, consultants may not be able to properly communicate their findings and recommendations to the company. This can lead to confusion and mistrust.
To overcome these challenges, it is important to choose a reputable and experienced consultant like the ones from Simplify-ERP.
Questions to ask when hiring a process consultant
The benefits of using a consultant
There are many benefits that businesses can enjoy by working with a process consultant.
Let’s take a look at some of the most important ones.
1. Improve efficiency
One of the main aims of process consulting is to help businesses improve their efficiency. By understanding how a business works and where bottlenecks occur, consultants can make recommendations on how those bottlenecks can be removed. This will lead to improved overall efficiency and productivity.
2. Reduce costs
Improved efficiency often leads to reduced costs. When businesses can produce the same output with less input, it frees up resources that can be used elsewhere. This can lead to significant cost savings over time.
3. Improve quality
Process consulting can also help businesses to improve the quality of their products and services. By understanding how a business works and where mistakes are made, consultants can help businesses to make changes that will lead to improved quality.
4. Increase customer satisfaction
Improved quality and efficiency often lead to increased customer satisfaction. When customers are happy with the products and services they receive, they are more likely to come back for more. This can lead to increased sales and growth for a business.
5. Enhance competitiveness
Finally, process consulting can help businesses to enhance their competitiveness. When businesses are able to produce better quality products and services at lower costs, they are able to compete more effectively against their rivals. This can lead to market share gains and increased profitability.
If you are thinking of working with a process consultant, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
First, make sure you choose a reputable and experienced consultant.
Second, be clear about your goals and objectives.
And third, be prepared to invest time and resources into the project.
What industries typically benefit from process consulting engagements most effectively?
Why invest in a process consultancy?
There is a misconception that process consulting is a big business thing. That’s a mistake.
Consultancy in process improvement generates benefits for businesses of all sizes, from micro companies to large corporations. This is because it works very well in both the macro and micro context.
Let’s explain: a consultancy need not be just “top-down”. It is possible to address problems at the departmental level, immerse yourself in the pains of the team, structure better routines, prove the results and then escalate changes throughout the rest of the company.
The future of process consulting
We'll work with you to identify the areas where you need the most help and develop a plan that will get your business back on track. Talk to one of our experts and find out which is the best solution for your business!
Our consultants strive to deliver top-quality solutions and services — within project deadlines — that exceed our clients' expectations.
We use best practices and methods to achieve optimal results.
We bring agility, flexibility and expertise to every project we undertake.
Find out how our consultants would benefit your company.
