Combine small activities into composite activities
A technique for combining smaller tasks into larger ones to reduce setup times and improve the quality of work.
Reijers, H., & Liman Mansar, S. (2005). Best practices in business process redesign: an overview and qualitative evaluation of successful redesign heuristics. Omega, 33(4)
Task Combination is a process optimization technique that involves combining smaller tasks into larger ones. This technique reduces setup times, which are the time that resources need to become familiar with the specifics of a case, and can improve the quality of work. However, it is important to strike a balance between the size of the tasks and their workability. Tasks that are too large can result in smaller run-time flexibility and lower quality. Smaller tasks, on the other hand, can result in longer setup times.
By finding the optimal balance, organizations can achieve the best of both worlds: shorter setup times, higher quality, and greater flexibility.
Foundational free Patterns
Assign a responsible individual for handling each case type
Reduce the number of contacts with customers and third parties
Order knock-outs by least effort and highest termination probability first.
Execute tasks when the grid is powered by renewable energy
Let products appear greener
Explore whether a process can easily be used for additional products or services
Reassign tasks along the organisational hierarchy
Performance-based task assignment
Allocate tasks based on past performance: execution time and success
Allocate task based on past feedback or quality metrics
Consider the division of a general activity into two or more alternative activities
Collect similar work items and work in batches