Do you need measurements?

Over the past few weeks, I have written various articles about Continuous Improvement (CI) and using Continuous Improvement with AI and RPA. These articles touch upon how to use CI in your business and with AI.  But one thing that is important to note is that regardless of the size of your business, measurements or KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) are needed.  It is essential to understand what is going in your business, and the only way to do this is through measurements.  These numbers provide you with data that allows you to see what is going. When you combine measurements with “gut” feelings and Gemba walks, you can put together a great story.

Measurements are an essential part of your CI journey, regardless of the industry!

Within CI, data and measurements will help you determine your Point A (starting point) and then develop your Point B (goal). Measurements are required at both ends.  You will know where you are and where you are going. The measures of success are just more than how your business is doing. These measurements will help you see if you are on the right path and hitting the growth you want. The numbers represent your story, no matter how things are.  They will affect your personal growth, and to see real progress and to feel empowered, you need to see the numbers.  Behind these numbers, you will feel an emotional attachment.  If the numbers are positive, it will bring you great joy, but they will bring discomfort if the numbers are negative.

Why you need measurements

There are different arguments on the type of measurements you should use. For this article, I just wanted to stress the importance of using data and why.   It is essential to see why these measurements are so important.

To tell your story

If you do not have measurements, you will not have the data to tell the real story.  If you are not speaking with data, you cannot describe how things are going. 

The data can be simple! Do not make it too complex.

To know where you are! 

This may seem like the obvious one, but many leaders and owners do not know where they stand.  If you are not collecting data, you will miss some important things:

• Are you on track toward your goal?
• Do you need to readjust or pivot?
• Are your employees satisfied?
• Are your customers satisfied?
• What are the costs in your business or organization?
• Is your business or organization hitting revenue goals?
• What are your profit numbers?

To know your measure of success 

How can you measure your success?

How do you know if you met your goal?

These two questions are why you need to track data!

If you are not meeting your goal, the data will show that you may need to pivot and make changes. When you reach your goal, the data will allow you to know if you can celebrate.

Remember, you need to celebrate along the way!

Final thoughts 

Collecting measurements should not be a daunting task.  It will be the opposite because the data can help you tell your story, know where you are, and know your success measures. As things progress, the data will allow you to see if you are headed in the right direction or if you need to adjust.  Continuous Improvement will enable you to adapt and move forward to your goal.  Collecting the data will allow you to move forward faster, even if you have to take a step(s) back.  Collecting the data is a step forward in Continuous Improvement!

Are you collecting data? If yes, why? If no, why?

If you would like to collect the data or why it is beneficial to you, let’s set up some time to talk.

“Collecting the data is a step forward in Continuous Improvement!” – Lauren Hisey