Process innovation is the implementation of new or significantly improved processes to achieve tangible outcomes. There are two types of processes: operational and managerial. Operational processes seek to improve efficiency through streamlining activities and eliminating production waste. Managerial processes strive to enhance the effectiveness of a process by improving coordination and decision-making. Redesigning the process’s structure or improving its activities can help in both process types.

Increasing departmental collaboration, creating a culture of experimentation, and utilizing data analytics help improve it. Constantly monitoring and refining an innovation process ensures businesses are always at the forefront of market trends and can create successful products.

Why is Process Innovation Challenging?

Process innovation involves change, which people don’t typically like. It also requires a clear understanding of the process and areas of improvement. To achieve this, try breaking down the process into small parts, diagraming it, reordering it, or seeking help from an expert such as Techtrend. An implementation plan is needed to implement a business process innovation successfully.

5 Benefits of Process Innovation

1.     Reduced waste and costs

Businesses can reduce waste by developing new methods or technologies to carry out activities more effectively.

2.     Improved efficiency

Process innovation allows organizations to carry out activities more effectively, which reduces the time required to complete those activities.

3.     Increased production capacity

The creation of more efficient processes can result in higher work handling.

4.     More affordable products or services

Increasing efficiency can lead to lower costs and passed on to consumers at lower prices.

5.     Greater customer satisfaction

When products or services meet the customer’s needs, customer satisfaction and loyalty also increase.

Example: The Ford Assembly Line

The Ford assembly line increased efficiency and allowed for mass production. It also helped to reduce the cost of manufacturing cars, making them more affordable for consumers. Some call this a product and process innovation in a highly competitive business environment.

To know more about process innovation,  listen to this week's show: Process Innovation – Including the Innovation Process.