8.1 The financial impact on process and operations

Process is the method by which we get things done. We ve talked about that before. It is most important that, when we consider the efficient operation of an organization, we look at the most productive way to get something done and maintain that process until we find a better way to do it. A problem that often presents itself in an organization is when the financial element of the Company decides to eliminate an operation by cutting personnel or reduce funding and does not take into effect the result that action will have on the overall process. If a process owner and their specific process are removed, how much will this affect the overall function and Company operation? The answer is simple. It will have a major effect on the organization, the process is required for product completion and more than likely will affect the quality of the product. This step of reduction in personnel or reduction of funding is not to be taken lightly by the engineering or manufacturing organizations. Therefore, they should be the first consulted and their recommendations taken seriously. If time is of the essence, they should be given the opportunity to assess their processes, methods, and tools to consider what can be done to save the funding required or reduce the staff as needed, without serious effects on the product or quality.

Finance is certainly an interesting concept, this...