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A Senior Ops Manager’s Guide to Boosting Gross and Operating Margin
Ever feel like your project margins are stuck where they are and you are consistently pressured by your management, inching along but never quite breaking free? You’re not alone. Especially in Business Process Management (BPM’s), squeezing out every penny of profit is a constant battle. But fear not, fellow Managers! Today, we’re armed with data-driven strategies to turn those margins into money-making machines.
The Margin Maze: Stats That Matter
Let’s face it, margins are the lifeblood of any project. But what exactly are we talking about?
- Gross margin is the difference between your project’s total revenue and the direct costs associated with delivering it.
- Operating margin takes things a step further, subtracting indirect costs like overhead and administrative expenses.
Now, here’s where things get interesting. A study by BPM Institute found that average gross margins in the BPM industry hover around 35%, with top performers exceeding 40%. That means every percentage point you squeeze out translates directly to more profit for your company and a happier you.
Strategy 1: Optimize Your Process Flow
Think of your project as a well-oiled machine. Every step, every task, needs to be streamlined for maximum efficiency.
Here’s how we do it:
- Automate the mundane tasks: Repetitive tasks are time-consuming profit drains. Invest in automation tools to free up your team for higher-value work. A McKinsey Global Institute report estimates that automation can boost productivity by up to 25%. (Find the Low hanging fruits)
- Lean and mean: Identify and eliminate bottlenecks in your process flow. Every unnecessary step is a missed opportunity for profit. A study by the Aberdeen Group found that companies with lean processes experience a 20% reduction in operating costs.
- Embrace standardization: Consistency is key to minimizing errors and rework. Standardize your processes across the board to ensure smooth execution and improved quality. A study by the American Society for Quality found that standardization can lead to a 30% reduction in defects.
Strategy 2: Master the Resource Game
Your team is your most valuable asset. Use them wisely!
- Right-skill the right people: Ensure your team members have the skills and expertise needed for each task. Investing in training and development can pay off big time. A study by the Association for Talent Development found that companies that invest in employee training see a 24% increase in profit.
- Embrace flexible work models: Remote work and flexible schedules can boost employee morale and productivity. A Stanford study found that remote workers were 13% more productive than their office counterparts.
- Optimize resource allocation: Don’t let talent sit idle. Use resource planning tools to ensure your team is working on high-value tasks and avoid underutilization. A study by the Project Management Institute found that companies with effective resource planning experience a 15% increase in project success rates.
Bonus Tip: Embrace Data-Driven Decisions
Data is your friend. Track your project metrics, analyze performance, and identify areas for improvement. Use data to make informed decisions about process optimization, resource allocation, and pricing strategies.
A study by Harvard Business Review found that companies that use data-driven decision-making see a 5% increase in profitability.
Remember, boosting margins is a marathon, not a sprint. Consistent effort, data-driven decisions, and a focus on optimizing processes and resources will help you turn those margins into a success story. Helping you boosting your Gross and Operating Margin
Sources:
- BPM Institute: https://www.bpminstitute.org/
- McKinsey Global Institute: https://www.mckinsey.com/mgi/overview
- Aberdeen Group: https://www.aberdeen.com/
- American Society for Quality: https://asq.org/
- Association for Talent Development: https://www.td.org/
- Stanford study: https://www.inc.com/bill-murphy-jr/a-stanford-economist-who-studiesremote-work-says-half-of-allworkers-will-make-thisbig-change-in2022.html
- Project Management Institute: https://www.pmi.org/
- Harvard Business Review: https://hbr.org/2012/10/big-data-the-management-revolution
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