The auto manufacturer Toyota has popularized the concept of Lean management which is completely customer focused. This style of management has helped countless manufacturing companies all over the world increase their profitability by increasing output and decreasing costs. More important, this management style helps to improve quality considerably by placing a great deal of focus on standardization.
What is really interesting is that many other industries have started using the technique of Lean management as well. Lots of companies in the software industry are also using this technique with really great success. Needless to say, companies in this industry have to make the necessary changes to this management technique since they cannot lift it in its entirety. After all, the software industry does not have a lot of automation and standardization.
Software companies can definitely benefit from using various Lean techniques after making the necessary alterations to make them suitable for their particular business. Different Lean techniques that help companies plan for the future properly, eliminate waste in various processes and make continuous improvements in how they function can be of great use here.
Lean techniques help companies focus on what their customers want and change their products and manufacturing processes accordingly. The following examples will help you understand how software companies can benefit:
– Software managers working on a project are therefore required to share progress details with their clients because this helps locate bugs in the system very early on.
– Software companies also benefit greatly from using techniques that study various processes in order to find out certain steps that involve a waste of time or effort.
– Employees are encouraged to come up with various innovative solutions instead of merely following instructions according to their place in the company hierarchy.
A software company that wants to increase its competitiveness will definitely benefit from using various Lean management techniques. This enables the company to complete projects well within the committed time frame and without any mistakes.
It is quite difficult for a company to make the necessary changes in its style of functioning that will help it become more efficient. Companies that get help from Lean consultants are able to make the necessary changes without too much of a problem. These consultants will guide the company through the necessary steps. A software company therefore has to identify the best possible management consultant who will help them make the necessary changes.
