Top 10 process excellence articles of 2024

2024 has been a significant year for process excellence, with a raft of trends continuing to shape the industry. From the relentless evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) and growth of increasingly intelligent automation (IA) to new approaches in process mining and shifting operational resilience requirements, instrumental factors are redefining what process excellence means for modern organizations.

Throughout the year, PEX Network’s articles have explored and examined a wide array of topics with features, listicles and interviews among a diverse collection of pieces curated for our audience.

In acknowledgement of the year’s end and to snapshot our most popular reads, we’ve ranked the 10 most read PEX Network articles of 2024!

1. 7 free AI training courses for business leaders

In recognition of the increasingly prominent role AI plays in various elements of process excellence, we detailed seven free AI training courses for anyone looking to increase their AI knowledge, understanding and skills. Google, Harvard University, LinkedIn and AWS were among the training providers featured.

Watch thought leader Doug Shannon discuss avoiding turnover and attrition in AI adoption

2. 5 operational excellence trends for 2024

In January, we explored the five biggest operational excellence (OPEX) trends for 2024. “There are many reasons for achieving OPEX, such as cost efficiencies, customer satisfaction, adaptability, competitive advantage, employee engagement, compliance and data-driven decision making,” said Dara Kiernan, owner/consultant, KPI Services Limited. The trends predicted to have the most impact were:

• Generative AI and IA
• Sustainability goals
• Supply chain management
• Accelerated software delivery
• Inflationary challenges and budgets

3. 10 digital transformation pitfalls and how to avoid them

Digital transformation is the complete reorientation of an organization around principles and processes to maximize the value of the digital age. In the fast-paced world of digital evolution, businesses are navigating the complex landscape of digital transformation to stay relevant and competitive. However, this journey is fraught with challenges that often go unnoticed. In February, we examined the 10 most significant digital transformation challenges businesses face including hurdles such as lack of direction, insufficient leadership, resistance to change, digital and data immaturity and legacy systems and processes.

Watch Nao Anthony, senior manager in OPEX at Commonwealth Bank, and Tariq Munir, APAC financial planning transformation lead at PepsiCo, discuss the challenges of digital transformation

4. 9 free change management training courses for business leaders

In another article listing free training courses, we highlighted 10 resources for growing and developing change management skills, knowledge and understanding. “Change management is an absolutely vital component in the running of any successful business,” said Thom Dennis, CEO of culture change and development consultancy Serenity in Leadership. “It serves as the backbone of the effective implementation and sustainability of any initiative. “Adjustments to processes or operations invariably impact employees, and their buy-in is crucial.”

5. 7 low-code trends to watch in 2024

Low-code solutions allow users to create and manage processes, workflows and applications without the need for deeply technical coding knowledge. Their popularity is skyrocketing as organizations seek to democratize process improvement and OPEX. In May, we assessed seven low-code trends to watch out for in 2024. Among these were wider business adoption, legacy system connection, industry-specific platforms and process automation.

6. 25 operational excellence thought leaders to follow in 2024

In August, we published our 25 OPEX thought leaders list for 2024. This year’s list featured people from all over the world in academia, manufacturing, technology and science, among other fields — all of whom are leading transformative change within their chosen specializations. The PEX Network team compiled the list by selecting key areas that are transforming operational excellence initiatives in 2024, such as advanced technologies, digital transformation, sustainability, research and change management.

7. The collaboration mandate: Does returning to the office improve innovation?

Thought leaders Michael Arena and Philip Arkcoll explored the need to balance collaboration and innovation in the workplace by rethinking work models for enhanced creativity and productivity. With research indicating that 70 percent of organizations to plan for more in-office days by 2025, the pair asked whether a return to the office (RTO) will truly reignite innovation or just pull us back to outdated pre-pandemic collaboration habits.

Watch Arena reflect on the power of social capital in the age of AI

8. How relevant is Gemba Kaizen in 2024?

Gemba Kaizen is a decades-old continuous improvement methodology with roots in Japanese philosophy, but as we explored in January, it remains highly relevant for modern organizations. “I strongly believe that now, more than ever, the adaptable, incremental and people-centric approach of Kaizen proves invaluable for any organization,” said Yulia Lavie, chief operating officer (COO) and partner at CWS Israel. “Its principles guide effective implementation of changes and ensure long-term success and resilience across various industries.”

9. The guide to AI in operational excellence

In this PEX Network guide, we examined how AI is revolutionizing OPEX and driving efficiency by complimenting concepts such as Lean, Six Sigma, business process management (BPM), total quality management (TQM) and continuous improvement. We also assessed the role generative AI will play in the future of business operations.

10. Change management – the unsung hero of business transformation

In April, we explored why change management is key to successful business transformation. Whilst the adoption of new technology like AI steals many of the headlines as businesses strive towards innovation and optimization, without the effective management of change, efforts are often doomed from the start.

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