--- title: Micromation Blog | Techniques description: Techniques | --- [![Micromation Inc](https://info.micromationinc.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/BannerLogo.jpg?width=86&name=BannerLogo.jpg "Micromation Inc")](http://www.micromationinc.com) IT Professional Services  & Management Consulting - Continual Service Improvement - [Home](http://www.micromationinc.com/) - [About Us](http://www.micromationinc.com/about-us) - [Products & Services](http://www.micromationinc.com/products-services) - [Contact Us](http://www.micromationinc.com/contact-us) - [Webinar](http://www.micromationinc.com/webinar) ![](https://info.micromationinc.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/image2.jpg?width=305&name=image2.jpg) # Micromation Blog ## [Lean CSI: New Thinking on Delivering More Value with Limited Resources](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/lean-csi-new-thinking-on-delivering-more-value-with-limited-resources) Posted by [David Smith](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/author/david-smith) on Jun 22, 2015 3:19:00 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://info.micromationinc.com/hubfs/Cloud_Computing.png)](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/lean-csi-new-thinking-on-delivering-more-value-with-limited-resources) --- # There's an App for That! There’s been great accomplishments over the last four or five years in technology.   Cloud services makes it possible to get an App on just about anything, anywhere and anytime.    Not only that, there’re pretty good too considering you can use most across multiple platforms.    And there’re not that expensive, sometimes even free if you don’t need all the bells and whistles.    There’re mostly intuitive and easy to learn and use, if not no problem, just get another one.   And to top it off you can get them yourself and fast through App Stores without going through the hassles of IT or Procurement.  # Cloud Adoption, Tip of the Iceberg?  Cloud services are so wildly successful, many organizations don’t realize how many are being used in their company.    [SkyHigh Networks](https://www.skyhighnetworks.com/) published Cloud Adoption & Risk Report Q1 2015 estimates the average company now uses 923 distinct cloud services which is up 21.6% over previous quarter. “That number is more than 10 times higher than what IT estimates, highlighting the exceptional growth in employee-led cloud adoption” and growing. ## **Icebergs Sink Ships!** For a CIO this brings up some interesting questions.   Who is responsible for cloud services?  What are the risks?  What impact will this have on legacy IT models?  How do we harvest value and minimize the risk? Where will we get the resources? This article looks at some of the opportunities and challenges created by Cloud services through the lens of Lean CSI which is “new thinking on delivering value with resource constraints”. [Read More](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/lean-csi-new-thinking-on-delivering-more-value-with-limited-resources) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/lean-csi-new-thinking-on-delivering-more-value-with-limited-resources#comments-listing) Topics: [Techniques](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/topic/techniques), [Tools](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/topic/tools), [CSI](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/topic/csi), [Metrics](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/topic/metrics), [Measurement](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/topic/measurement), [Lean CSI](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/topic/lean-csi), [Methods](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/topic/methods) ## [Using Lean IT Measurements to Create Real Value – Learn How!](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/using-lean-it-measurements-to-create-real-value-learn-how) Posted by [David Smith](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/author/david-smith) on Jun 11, 2015 3:30:00 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://info.micromationinc.com/hubfs/Time_Clock.jpg)](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/using-lean-it-measurements-to-create-real-value-learn-how) --- # “The time, the time, who’s got the time?” asked March Hare Scene from *Alice in Wonderland* **White Rabbit:** *N-n-n-no time, no time, no time! Hello, good bye, I'm late, I'm late* **Alice:** *The Rabbit!* **White Rabbit:** *I'm so late! I'm so very late* **Mad Hatter:** *\[snatching the White Rabbit's Watch\] Well, no wonder you're late! Why this clock is EXACTLY two days slow!* **White Rabbit:** *Two days slow?* Do you ever feel like you’re in Wonderland and your watch is two days slow?  One of the most important resources within IT is time. We “are too busy resolving incidents to document adequately”, “have no time to complete changes/projects properly”, “have no time to improve” or we “have to test less to meet delivery dates”. # Time is a precious resource, use it wisely  This article presents the notion that time is a precious resource and should be used wisely.  That is, stop doing things that don’t add value.   See how to measure, learn and improve your use of time to create real value for competitive advantage. [Read More](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/using-lean-it-measurements-to-create-real-value-learn-how) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/using-lean-it-measurements-to-create-real-value-learn-how#comments-listing) Topics: [Techniques](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/topic/techniques), [CSI](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/topic/csi), [Metrics](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/topic/metrics), [Measurement](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/topic/measurement) ## [Tools and Techniques for Continual Improvement - CSI Register](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/tools-and-techniques-for-continual-improvement-part-3-of-3) Posted by [David Smith](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/author/david-smith) on May 28, 2015 8:30:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://info.micromationinc.com/hubfs/Success_Compass.jpg)](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/tools-and-techniques-for-continual-improvement-part-3-of-3) --- ## **Implementing Improvements is challenging** Implementing continuous quality improvements sounds easier than it really is. **People resist change** – although humans are most adaptable to change, we all tend to resist it.   We go “kicking and screaming” until the benefits are made clear.   Then wish we had done it sooner. **Balance between PM science vs art** – complexity of change is variable from project to project.  One improvement project can be simple and straight forward while the next is multi-dimensional.  Getting the right mix of rigor, method, skill, knowledge and experience is challenging. **Tools can be daunting** - many project management tools are just too complex for most people and overkill for many improvement projects.      **Leadership by influence vs authority** – most improvement projects involve resources from various departments who are not directly accountable to you.  Influencing people to get their commitment to support you is tough without authority.   **Credibility at stake** – You’re as reputation is tied to your last project.  If the project was successful, you are a star, step forward.   If not, your credibility suffers, two steps back. ## **Reach your Goals with Less Effort and More Focus** Part 3 in this series of articles will share some tools and techniques for continual improvement that help Managers achieve their goals with less effort and more focus using a [CSI Register](http://www.micromationinc.com/products-services/tools-templates/csi-register).  See [Part 1 – Domino Effect](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/tools-and-techniques-for-continual-improvement-part-1-of-3) to create value faster with more focus and [Part 2 – CSI Value Canvas](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/tools-and-techniques-for-continual-improvement-part-2-of-3-0) to create compelling improvement plans that people embrace. [Read More](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/tools-and-techniques-for-continual-improvement-part-3-of-3) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/tools-and-techniques-for-continual-improvement-part-3-of-3#comments-listing) Topics: [Techniques](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/topic/techniques), [Tools](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/topic/tools), [CSI](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/topic/csi) ## [Tools and Techniques for Continual Improvement - CSI Value Canvas](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/tools-and-techniques-for-continual-improvement-part-2-of-3-0) Posted by [David Smith](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/author/david-smith) on May 27, 2015 8:30:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://info.micromationinc.com/hubfs/Plan.jpg)](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/tools-and-techniques-for-continual-improvement-part-2-of-3-0) --- ## **Three Common Challenges Managers Face** Continual improvement process managers face three common challenges: 1. Breaking out of firefighting mode long enough to make an effective improvement strategy/plan; 2. Getting senior management support, commitment and investment funding; 3. And most importantly, winning the hearts and minds of the people who are effected by the changes. ## **Better Improvement Plans that People Embrace** Part 2 in this series of articles will share some tools and techniques for continual improvement that help Managers create compelling improvement plans that people embrace using a [CSI Value Canvas](http://www.micromationinc.com/products-services/tools-templates/csi-value-canvas).  See [Part 1 – Domino Effect](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/tools-and-techniques-for-continual-improvement-part-1-of-3) to create value faster with more focus and Part 3 - Improved management control using a [CSI Register](http://www.micromationinc.com/products-services/tools-templates/csi-register) tool. [Read More](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/tools-and-techniques-for-continual-improvement-part-2-of-3-0) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/tools-and-techniques-for-continual-improvement-part-2-of-3-0#comments-listing) Topics: [Techniques](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/topic/techniques), [Tools](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/topic/tools), [CSI](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/topic/csi) ## [Measure, Learn & Improve Services Value Proposition](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/measure-learn-and-improve-your-services-value-proposition-for-competitive-advantage) Posted by [David Smith](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/author/david-smith) on May 19, 2015 3:38:00 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://info.micromationinc.com/hubfs/Get-in-the-Zone.jpg)](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/measure-learn-and-improve-your-services-value-proposition-for-competitive-advantage) --- ## **Service Providers under Pressure to find Competitive Advantage** Knowing how your customers value your services is key to success.  Sometimes it’s tough to find the perfect blend of reliable service delivery with good quality and for the right cost.  Finding your optimal mix “the zone” gives you significant advantage to win new customers and keep them delighted. Occasionally customers and service providers have different opinions of what value is.  Getting the right mix of benefits, features, quality, guarantees and costs is paramount to happy customers and a good night’s sleep.  Let’s call this right mix “the zone”.  You want to be in the zone at all times.  Focus too much in one area, say low cost, you risk other areas, like quality.  As the old expression goes “Good, fast or cheap; pick two”.  You get the point. ## **Get in the Zone and Create your Advantage ** This article presents some ideas, techniques, tips, tricks and best practices to help you improve your services value proposition.  That is, maximum value for the right cost, delivery and quality.  See how to measure, learn and improve your services value proposition for competitive advantage. [Read More](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/measure-learn-and-improve-your-services-value-proposition-for-competitive-advantage) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/measure-learn-and-improve-your-services-value-proposition-for-competitive-advantage#comments-listing) Topics: [Techniques](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/topic/techniques), [CSI](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/topic/csi), [Metrics](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/topic/metrics), [Measurement](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/topic/measurement) ## [Tools and Techniques for Continual Improvement - Domino Effect (Part 1 of 3)](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/tools-and-techniques-for-continual-improvement-part-1-of-3) Posted by [David Smith](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/author/david-smith) on May 13, 2015 2:26:00 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://info.micromationinc.com/hubfs/Domino_effect_v2.png)](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/tools-and-techniques-for-continual-improvement-part-1-of-3) --- ## **CIOs & IT Managers under Pressure to Create Value** As an IT worker, it’s tough to put out the routine fires, take on more workload, keep pace with technology change, be expected to make service improvements and while reducing costs and resources. Cloud computing now makes it possible for the business to bypass IT and directly buy the services they want, when they need them, inexpensively and with reasonably good quality.   CIOs and IT Managers are under extreme pressure to create, deliver and demonstrate business value like never before. ## **Create Value Faster with More Focus ** Part 1 in this article will share some tools and techniques for continual improvement that help get the results you need faster using **The Domino Effect**.  Stay tuned for Part 2 - Better planning with [Value Canvas](http://www.micromationinc.com/products-services/tools-templates/csi-value-canvas) tool and Part 3 - Improved management control using a [Register](http://www.micromationinc.com/products-services/tools-templates/csi-value-canvas) tool. [Read More](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/tools-and-techniques-for-continual-improvement-part-1-of-3) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/tools-and-techniques-for-continual-improvement-part-1-of-3#comments-listing) Topics: [Techniques](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/topic/techniques), [Tools](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/topic/tools), [CSI](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/topic/csi) [All posts](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/all) ### Subscribe to Email Updates ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [CSI (8)](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/topic/csi) - [Techniques (6)](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/topic/techniques) - [Lean CSI (4)](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/topic/lean-csi) - [Tools (4)](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/topic/tools) - [Lean IT (3)](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/topic/lean-it) - [Measurement (3)](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/topic/measurement) - [Metrics (3)](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/topic/metrics) - [ITSM Strategy (1)](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/topic/itsm-strategy) - [Methods (1)](https://info.micromationinc.com/blog/topic/methods) see all ### Follow Me Copyright © \[2017\] \[**Micromation**\] All Rights Reserved *04/15/2015*