Even when the need for change is clear and the tools are available to make the change, there are often a number of barriers holding companies back. Below are some of the common barriers you may encounter:

One frequently heard argument is "all our resources are focused on our new ERP system." Sound familiar? As important as the integration of financial data may be, it isn't more important than the action where the rubber meets the road — out on your factory or warehouse floor.

Another commonly heard argument "management doesn't understand the benefits of a faster, more agile, more accurate material handling system." If that is the case, the Justifying your Material Handling Investment series can give you plenty of ammunition to take to senior management.

Finally, one of the biggest barriers is the lack of focus on the process. Your cross-functional internal order fulfillment process is the key to your survival. Michael Hammer, one of the leading experts on business processes, defines reengineering as ". . . The radical redesign of business processes for dramatic improvement." In his book Beyond Reengineering Hammer writes:

"The key word in the definition of reengineering is ‘process,’ a complete end to end set of activities that together create value for a customer." That is the central point, your process. No matter how simple or complex, creating value by rapidly, safely, and accurately speeding goods through your order fulfillment pipeline, at every step along the way? If it is not, then you need to change it, and change it now.