Workflow Management – What CPOs Want in Their Cockpit or Dashboard
Effective workflow management for CPOs starts with a well-designed cockpit and/or dashboard.
Imagine knowing the status of projects at a glance including the ability to drill down as needed.
Overwhelmed and frustrated.
If you are a CPO it is very likely that this is how you are feeling. If you are not feeling this way you are part of a very small group.
How many initiatives and events are you managing?
Do you know instantly where each one is?
I confess that I am still not sure that there is a difference between a cockpit and a dashboard.
One thing I know for certain.
CPOs need information that is current to meet efficiency and effectiveness goals.
Managing supplier risk, taking advantage of opportunities and moving events and projects forward are typical goals for procurement.
I like to think of these as parts of a giant construction project. At any point in time parts of it will be on tract or off track. If I know this, I can adjust.
Workflow management is evolving and if you aren’t sure what to look for in a tool I will share some points based on my conversations in the past 6 months for your consideration.
Simple goals:
- Ensure things don’t slip through the cracks
- View all events and their status
- Receive reminders and alerts
- Grow your knowledge base of best practices
- One version of the truth
Productivity features:
- Your cockpit or dashboard organized the way you want it
- Projects and events can have virtually unlimited tags for tracking and organization
- Multiple ways to view project status (graphs, timelines, completion percent etc.) that you can configure to best fit your style – your personal views should be saved and accessible by all
- Flexible reminders and alerts organized by priority for each collaborator – priority levels are not uniform – sometimes we need a nudge to update status – I get frustrated when team members fail to update “their stuff” and garbage or outdated information is left in the system
- Out of the box tool to insure adoption – flexible training for power users and/or casual users
- Seamless integration and information sharing with existing systems and tools – even antiquated ones
- Automatic updating across all devices, platforms and apps – essential for mobile and remote access
- Link “stuff you already do” into the tool for update purposes or at least do this with one click
- Connect with all collaborators via email, chat, video and text as needed – fundamental in team building
This is a starter list and I am sure that you could add more features that would help you and your team.
Challenges:
- Our natural resistance to change
- Another tool to learn
- One more system to keep updated
- The value for members of your team may vary widely
These are common objections but if senior management gets on board and drives the internal marketing people will fall in line.
The benefits are enormous.
Imagine feeling encouraged and calm instead of overwhelmed and frustrated.
The right information anytime you need it will do that for you.
Ask better questions, make changes and 2019 will be your best year ever.
Action Step: If you are uncertain where to start the process of change, a procurement professional like myself can provide guidance and expertise to help your organization achieve the results you want.
If you want to go explore this topic in greater detail, please contact me. I invite you to request 30-minute discovery conversation. In my experience the next step will be apparent at the end of the call. I never assume that what I have to offer will be right for everyone, so don’t expect a sales pitch. You can reach me at 973-936-9672.
If you would like to know more ways to reduce costs without changing the way you do business, simply give me a call or send me an email with your contact information and the best time to reach you.
You Won’t Drift to Success©
Commit to taking the next step.
Until Next Time, I Wish You Great Success in Your Business and in Your Life
Mike Jeffries