Process visibility makes it easier to analyse any business, set targets and define measurable goals.
It is important to think beyond what is currently ‘known’ in the business, engaging with an external party such as Pathfinder will introduce a different way of thinking.
At Pathfinder we understand the need to challenge how the business perceives their capability to improve and recognise where they may have limitations. Companies that use a proven methodology for business process improvement realise an average of 40 per cent more benefit than those that don’t.
Our method involves an honest examination of the process captured. In a lot of cases, a process maps how the people think a process typically works or how it should work. How it operates can be quite different. Looking at other factors at play in the process can provide much richer insights. Seeing the facts of what is happening can result in clearly identifying the best course of action for optimum improvement.
Pathfinder approaches Business Process Analysis from a Lean perspective.
We focus on the overall purpose of the process, examine how value is added, examine how capacity matches demand and seek to improve the efficiency of the process through improving flow.
Pathfinder places an emphasis on the voice of the customer and assigning ownership for process outputs as a very valuable method for ensuring that the purpose of the process remains relevant.
Pathfinder typically delivers this type of work in waves. Because of setup and preparation, the first wave will be approximately 6 – 8 weeks in duration. Subsequent waves can be much shorter as the waves gather momentum. The benefit of working in waves is that it gives the team a planning and scheduling focus and allows for an agreed focus area of processes to be completed in each wave.
Each wave typically has five stages:
This will achieve real change in your risk culture. The approach focuses on mobilising colleagues to operate in a different way rather than on the purely mechanical process of identifying risks in processes. This is necessary to ensure that the effect of this work leaves a sustainable impact on risk culture. Pathfinder brings significant expertise in mobilising change quickly and sustainably.
Pathfinder insight:
Cultural change in Risk will be achieved when risk owners know that they will be consistently held accountable for what they have committed to improve.
This approach is designed to deliver the efficiency needed to build and maintain momentum. This is necessary so that the mapping programme does not drag and lose focus. To cover a significant number of sub-processes that link with critical outcomes while maintaining momentum will require a very lean and efficient process and tight project management.
Pathfinder insight:
From our experience, It is important that the process map is agreed and verified before the Risk workshop, otherwise there is a danger of rework.
The steps of the approach are carefully designed for maximum efficiency. This approach is designed to build trust with the wider business. It is important that Pathfinder’s engagements are consistent with a high quality of delivery so that business owners’ trust in the Pathfinder team is enhanced through the process. This trust is crucial to changing the risk culture.
Pathfinder insight:
When Pathfinder completed the Risk mapping in Tesco Bank, one manager called the Pathfinder team ‘Process Ninjas’ because the team did not impact the operation of BAU and yet offered valuable insights into the processes.
The approach proposes the most efficient use of our client’s time. Preparatory work and advance scheduling will ensure a smooth engagement, one-to-one interviews to analyze the process and develop the maps and tease out the issues. We will only use workshops where they are needed.
mobilisation stage of this work demonstrates to the business owners that their ownership of Risk is being taken seriously.
We will provide feedback and observations to Process Owners about their processes. This is a value-add for them. This approach shows a way to transfer skills and build up your resources to complete the work.
This approach is designed to deliver consistency of outputs. Pathfinder will deliver a repeatable method for conducting end to end with maximum efficiency.
The method has a central QA that oversees that all outputs meet a consistent standard. The method will be documented in detail with guidelines. This will allow multiple teams to conduct the work to a consistent standard.
