The notion of a ‘simple process’ can be very seductive because, in theory, it promises smooth, efficient and frictionless operations. In short, it is like a well-oiled machine that works without visible effort. However, this conception can be misleading and fundamentally flawed.

Thanks to my operational expertise and strategic and technological skills, I can tell you that ‘simple processes’ are more of an ideal than a reality in the field. There is more of a ‘simplification’ of processes. In practice, it’s a journey towards efficiency, not an end state.

Despite this, in presentations for business systems and process architecture, the idea of “simple processes” is often put forward as an ultimate aspiration. But in reality, what we identify as ‘simple’ processes is, in fact, the product of an ongoing effort to simplify and streamline.

Sometimes, simplification can lead to a loss of flexibility, a drop in quality or other problems. So it’s important to assess the potential consequences carefully and to take small steps forward, constantly monitoring the return to the field.

Here are the subjects covered.

The inherent complexity of processes

📥 How to simplify processes? Brief methodology and initial checklist.

Simplification remains a complex process, requiring a structured and pragmatic method based on the realities on the ground, be they strategic, political or financial. This section provides an initial practical guide to help you start thinking about simplifying your processes.

The following practical questions greatly facilitate internal and/or external discussions with over 70 aspects to consider. This methodology and checklist is intentionally kept generalist, so it applies to all companies and sectors of activity.

Understand and analyse your current processes.

Design and implementation of simplified processes

Risk reduction

Monitoring, evaluation and anticipation

Some examples beyond “simple processes

The following examples demonstrate how simplifying processes can transform a company’s efforts, making them more efficient, faster and more accurate.

MarTech – a complex set of processes

The MarTech campaign process, after simplification

Following the simplification, the email marketing campaign process is transformed as follows:

FinTech – the complexity of IT development processes

Financial software development must constantly adapt to changing market requirements. Each phase of the software development lifecycle, from requirements gathering to deployment and maintenance, is a complex process with many variables.

So, while recognising that the financial software development process is complex, applying development methodologies such as DevOps and principles such as continuous integration and continuous deployment can simplify and streamline tasks, automate many steps, and foster better collaboration between teams.

Here are the optimised processes.

Better inventory management through technology in FMCG manufacturing

Simplifying for efficient operations and a smooth customer experience – aesthetic medicine services with hotel accommodation

Traditionally, patients at a luxury beauty clinic would follow these steps for their treatment and payment.

The process has been streamlined thanks to the integration of technology and automation.

Simplifying this process not only improves the clinic’s operational efficiency but also provides a better experience for patients while ensuring the highest standards of quality worthy of a luxury clinic. By adding the management of prepayments and medical logistics, the clinic can provide an even smoother and more transparent customer experience while reducing its financial risks.

• Contributeur

Elena Debbaut

Partenaire – Restructuration Opérationnelle

https://elena.debbaut.solutions/

ed@consultingteam.solutions

Elena Debbaut is a strategic execution expert to boards and executive teams. She leads and advises on complex transformations when governance barriers, internal politics, or structural fragmentation prevent organizations from executing critical decisions.

Specialities:

• governance-constrained transformation
• operational restructuring
• strategic recovery & execution