Originally adapted from The Technology Press. Substantially reviewed and updated 15 September 2026.
Where does work wait, repeat or disappear?
Productivity problems often show up as repeated data entry, unclear ownership or people searching for the latest file. Buying another communication tool can add to that confusion if the process stays the same.
Choose one recurring task and map the steps with the people doing it. Measure a useful outcome, such as time to resolve a request or rework avoided, rather than treating keyboard activity as productivity.
Identify the recurring friction.
Observe the workflowAgree the owner and next action.
Remove ambiguityMeasure the result that matters.
Review with the teamPractical checkpoints, not a guarantee of security or compliance.
What to check
1. Clarify meetings and handoffs
Give each meeting a purpose and each action an owner.
What to check
Cancel unnecessary recurring meetings. Record decisions where the team can find them and specify what the next person needs before a handoff.
2. Fix records and equipment
Use an agreed shared record and suitable tools.
What to check
Reduce duplicate file stores and competing task lists. Check whether slow devices, unreliable connectivity or access delays are the real bottleneck before redesigning the process.
3. Automate a proven step
Automate after the process is understood.
What to check
Start with a low-risk repetitive task. Check permissions, exceptions and support ownership. Explain any measurement to staff and keep it proportionate to the business purpose.
Sources & further reading
Make the next step practical
Talk to ITFR about your business, priorities and the controls that fit.
