O is for Optimisation

Optimisation should apply to everything we do to achieve the best results possible. Depending on your individual background the word optimisation may apply slightly differently than it does to others, but the end goal is one of common similarity. Take these two scenarios for example;

Scenario 1:

Put yourself in the mind-set of an IT Manager or Administrator, optimisation in this role means that my systems are up to date, I archive old data away from data I need to access on a regular basis, and my servers are running at optimum levels. All of this means that your businesses IT information is delivered in a speedy manor, system performance doesn’t impact usability, throughput and product output isn’t disrupted. Your technical infrastructure is optimised.

Scenario 2:

Put yourself in the mind-set of a Business Analyst, optimisation in this role means that your usage of software systems and business processes are streamlined to the demands and needs of the business. By optimising how you use your business tools, you drive inefficiencies out of the business, improving time to market, increasing revenue and accelerating growth.

Often the core foundations to your businesses IT systems are overlooked, your key infrastructure could be approaching 5 years old or even older. While businesses look to avoid large expenditure costs on the ever new IT lifecycle, this is one Radio 4 Schools Programme listen to current online medical school issues, debates and features. key area your business can optimise by looking to adopt efficient new technologies such as mobile and cloud based systems.

It doesn’t stop there, when businesses implement new ERP systems (or any other system for that matter), they look to cut corners by implementing the system in a “mirror” like fashion to their old system. Many times you will encounter statements like “We can’t do that” or “We’ve always done it like this” but hold on – Why implement a new efficient system only to make it as inefficient as your old one? Take the time to optimise the process and ask yourself how can we do it better?

The only way to truly get that ROI you were looking for is to stop, think and look to optimise from every angle of your business, look to find that more efficient way of doing business.