Good IT systems can make a remarkable difference
both to company performance, and also to the way staff feel about their work. Unfortunately, a recent survey by KPMG showed
only 37% of users rated their systems as “good”. What about you?
And what do your staff think?
And what do your staff think?
I have met many people who are unhappy with their
systems. Often they are also unhappy
with their work. This is not a coincidence! I have regularly seen staff – who felt
that their system did not meet their needs – spending time talking about their
problems, and as a result spending less time working.
But there are people who are keen on their
systems. They are proud of what they can
achieve, and they understand they are using their software in the best way
possible.
GOOD SYSTEMS
Typically, a good IT system will allow users to
input crucial data easily, without duplication or having to move between a vast
number of screens. Also, reports will be
readily available in the required format.
POOR SYSTEMS
As far too many of us know, a lot of systems do not produce good management
information. It can take forever to get
the right information out. In some
cases, 2 or 3 separate reports may need to be run off and data extracted into
spreadsheets in order to achieve the required format.
One company described this as their “automated
approach to reporting”. (Another survey showed 58% of companies were not
receiving adequate information from their finance system.)
ENTHUSIASTIC USER
One of my clients explained why she was so keen on
her software. She has a well-known
software package which can sometimes be challenging.
But she has taken the time to learn what is
possible with the system.
She looked at her job, and then looked at the
software to see the best way to carry out each task, given the software's
limitations and features. Where
necessary she called the helpline to ascertain exactly what needed to be
done.
The result is an enthusiastic user. She understands that the software has flaws,
but feels she can work her way round most of these, and as a result her daily
job is much easier.
EXCELLENT SYSTEM
Another excellent result has been achieved at one
of the UK’s leading tourist attractions.
The management proudly demonstrated their new management information
system to me. This presented each
manager with the key information they needed each day to do their job:
indicators such as number of visitors the previous day, average spend per
visitor, restaurant and shop turnover etc.
From my point of view it was a delight to see
people using IT in such a way, and to perceive that they were clear why they
were collecting all this information.
Knowledge is power, and with this information – literally at their
fingertips – they could quickly decide whether, for example, to make special
offers, to advertise locally or nationally, or to change the prices in their
shops.
So good IT systems are obviously well worthwhile. The difference in productivity and staff
satisfaction is worth addressing.
Let me help improve your systems. Click on Contact above and get in touch.
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