When you start to talk about processes, some may immediately think of Frederick Taylor and his time and motion studies. Resistance often follows, and professionals say, "I don't want to work in an assembly or production line." First, let's define process. A process is an organized group of related activities that together create value to clients. No single task creates the desired value. Value is created by the entire process in which all tasks are merged in a systematic way for a clear purpose. Without processes, firms crumble in chaos and conflict. Every firm has processes; but are the processes as efficient as they should be? More important, have they changed over the years to reflect the changes in technology and client demands? I don't believe key processes have changed significantly enough in most firms for a variety of reasons, with resistance to change being a primary reason. Some of the more inefficient processes in firms are: 1. The preparation and delivery of 1040s; 2. The preparation and delivery of business tax returns; 3.The auditing and preparation of financial statements; and, 4. Time entry, billing and collection.
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