Global Initiative, Global Solution – Part 3

In Part 1 and Part 2, I wrote of the importance planning and of understanding the current or AS-IS state of the client’s operations. Now I will share with you how we were able to help our client get to where they wanted to be.

What is missing? This is a good question to ask whether in business or in life. If this client was doing a, b, and c and getting only x and y results but needed z results  as well, what was needed to get them there?  We evaluated the necessary changes that were required in order to bridge their current state and desired future state.

Our client was doing a great deal but was missing something in their processes. They were almost doing too much in some areas and not enough in others.  We needed to modify some procedures, get rid of ineffective ones and add new ones . For their future state, they were seeking:

1. Truly standardized processes
2. Software solutions that worked across all regions
3. Necessary add-on applications that could be integrated
4. Comprehensive training materials

There was no one software solution that could fulfill every need at this level. But we could standardize as much across the board as possible and go from there.  We designed and integrated appropriate processes across the three countries and documented the foundation practices and frameworks. Then provided add-ons that fit at least a combination of countries and finally add-ons for each specific region.

From there we fit processes to software solutions:

1. Application components that could be used across the three regions
2. Applications that could be used by at least two regions
3. Add-on applications specific to one region

As I mentioned, this client and project was a great undertaking and I am so glad I was a part of it. I applaud this Japanese company for its progressiveness in an especially traditional industry. I created my business because I knew there were companies like this out there and I wanted to use my skills and my experience of Japan to work with them.

This company took steps toward true globalization and maximizing technology usage that many other Japanese companies in their industry or other industries should note.

In summary, I want to reiterate some the basic lessons that were instrumental in making this project a success:

1. When dealing with different languages even if your team has bilingual staff, for technologically advanced materials, use a professional translation or interpreting service
2. Having a visual representation of processes makes it easier to understand and ‘see’ the process of how things are done.
3. Analyze a client’s current state thoroughly and determine their desired future state
4. Document everything
5. Plan, Plan , Plan
6. Be flexible because it is NEVER  possible to follow any plan to the letter.There will always be unforeseen events that necessitate changes along the way 
7. Keep in constant communication