Test & Measurement

Tip of the Week: Are Your People Inefficient?

June 26, 2017

It may be the work methods at your business and not your employees who are impeding productivity.

It’s amazing how small changes in work practices can produce huge increases in both quality and output. Increased productivity is on the minds of many managers, because it results in higher margins and greater competitiveness at the same time.

But the mentality of some managers often is to put that burden on the workers. “My people are inefficient, I need to fix them.”

Consider addressing these drivers of worker inefficiency, rather than blaming the workers:

Excess forms and paperwork. How much of this actually gets read, much less used, once it’s turned in?
Unnecessary or low-value tasks. Try to eliminate any tasks that really aren’t worth doing. A comprehensive review and analysis of work flows could be a shocker in this regard; when’s the last time that was done?
Paper-based “paperwork” instead of simple electronic reporting and data transfer. Complex forms and reports that must be physically handled by multiple people are real time hogs.
Outdated test equipment. It’s great that John has taken such good care of his circa-1995 DMM that it still works fine in the field. But maybe it’s time to move on to one that has wireless communication or some other time-saving features.
Poor materials planning and supply chain. How many times have crews had to adjust to problems with materials? Do you even know the number? If not, why not? If so, what are you doing about it?

About the Author

Mark Lamendola

Mark is an expert in maintenance management, having racked up an impressive track record during his time working in the field. He also has extensive knowledge of, and practical expertise with, the National Electrical Code (NEC). Through his consulting business, he provides articles and training materials on electrical topics, specializing in making difficult subjects easy to understand and focusing on the practical aspects of electrical work.

Prior to starting his own business, Mark served as the Technical Editor on EC&M for six years, worked three years in nuclear maintenance, six years as a contract project engineer/project manager, three years as a systems engineer, and three years in plant maintenance management.

Mark earned an AAS degree from Rock Valley College, a BSEET from Columbia Pacific University, and an MBA from Lake Erie College. He’s also completed several related certifications over the years and even was formerly licensed as a Master Electrician. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and past Chairman of the Kansas City Chapters of both the IEEE and the IEEE Computer Society. Mark also served as the program director for, a board member of, and webmaster of, the Midwest Chapter of the 7x24 Exchange. He has also held memberships with the following organizations: NETA, NFPA, International Association of Webmasters, and Institute of Certified Professional Managers.