Have you ever heard of someone apologising for being early?
A Japanese rail company famously did just that after a train left a mere 25 seconds ahead of schedule. For many IT professionals, achieving such a feat in a complex system would be a dream. It begs the question: Can IT teams reach the same level of operational excellence?
The answer is yes, but it requires a commitment to simplicity.
Video credit: ABP Live
Why Complexity is the Enemy of Efficiency
IT setups can become really messy. Old systems, separate teams, and always-changing technology add to the chaos, leading to inefficiency and mistakes. That's why prioritising simplicity is crucial.
Here's the catch: To keep IT simple, it's important to recognise that it isn't a one-size-fits-all solution.
Tailoring Simplicity to Your Organisation's Needs
Let's take a closer look at the three standard methods and see how you can put them into practice to keep IT simple:
Focus on Fewer Products:
Consolidation Strategy: Look at your current IT products and see if any tools do the same or have similar functions. Are there any extra tools you're keeping around just because you're used to them, but they don't add much value? Think about getting rid of those additional tools.
Standardisation: After identifying the core products you'll use, establish clear rules for how everyone should use them in the company. This will help new employees learn faster and avoid problems with non-working products.
Vendor Management: Having fewer vendors makes communicating and fixing problems easier. You might want to talk to one vendor about getting a better deal when buying in large quantities or for certain types of products.
Streamline Processes:
Process Waste Reduction: Streamline IT tasks for better results with fewer resources and focus on supporting the business by visualising current IT workflows to spot issues and handle more service requests efficiently.
Automation: Repetitive tasks are prime candidates for automation. Look for opportunities to automate data entry, configuration, or report generation. This automation frees up IT staff to focus on more strategic initiatives.
Standardisation: Like with products, standardise your IT processes whenever possible. This standardisation ensures consistency and reduces the risk of errors.
Reduce Touchpoints:
Self-Service Solutions: Empower users to handle routine tasks through self-service portals or knowledge bases. This reduces the burden on IT support staff.
Streamlined User Interfaces: Design user interfaces that are intuitive and easy to navigate. Minimise the number of steps required to complete tasks.
Integration: Integrate your IT systems whenever possible to eliminate the need for manual data entry or transfer between disparate systems.
The Road to Simplicity is a Journey
Transforming an IT environment doesn't happen overnight. It starts with a mindset shift that prioritises simplicity.
As I advise my clients, we can only reduce or maintain complexity, not add to it. This philosophy guides our design decisions, including the technology solutions we choose.
The IT Excellence Challenge
Can IT organisations achieve the level of precision the Japanese train company exemplifies? Absolutely! By embracing simplicity, IT teams can cultivate a culture of efficiency, reduce errors, and ultimately deliver a more reliable and exceptional user experience.
Let's Discuss!
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Sikemi is a Technology Operations Expert with 15 years of experience across various sectors.
She specialises in technology-led transformations, process improvements, and operational excellence and empowers African tech companies for success.
Holding a Master's in Information Systems from the University of Sheffield, Sikemi is also an active Tech Mentor, guiding future tech leaders.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Sikemi is a Fitness Coach passionate about helping 9-5 professionals stay consistent on their fitness journeys.