In my experience, ___________ is only used if it is simple to consume. Fill in the blank with your choice of products, services or businesses. Whether it is a iPod, a business service or a gym membership, as consumers, we only choose to use it if it is simple.
Over the last decade I have worked alongside businesses of varying sizes from single man shops to organizations of 1000’s. In my experience, the best run businesses have always been the ones with the simple vision, simple processes and simple modes for engaging their customers. What am I using as a measure? The simplest one, profitability.
The lesson I learned was to support the simple processes first. Keep the inputs and outputs simple, and let the technology handle the complexity. My goal is to reduce the clicks and keystrokes, with the least amount of resulting screen clutter. My end users should know immediately what to do with the results. The more your end users want to use the system, the more information I learned about the underlying application usage.
So when you are STARTING to decide on new business software, SIMPLY do the following:
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*Identify the top 5 transactions that you will use the software. Maybe that’s notating a customer’s account, checking in a member, writing checks or creating a help desk ticket.
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*Identify the measures that you want to see reported. Remember that the reports are your benchmark for success, that’s what you need to measure your success.
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*Count the steps required to conduct all of the top 5 transactions and report on the measures. If it can’t be done simply, it either won’t be done, or it will cost you money to do it.
So what is our goal simply put? To deliver measurable value, by making it simple to create and continue relationships.
As Merrill’s Enterprising Minds grows, you can be assured that we will Keep It Simple, Short!
drm
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