Good People First, Good Systems Second

Add comment July 3rd, 2007 David Bush - Iasta

This might sound strange coming from a partner in an e-Sourcing software firm, but I have to agree with the recent SupplyManagement.com article that says good people [are] more effective than processes, based on their survey of 100 buyers.

According to the article, having the right staff means they are able to put in place the systems necessary for their business and good processes need to be put in place by good people. Although the managing and running of established good processes can achieve good results, you need to have good people in the first place.

Although good people can work with bad processes [albeit not as productively as they can work with good processes and systems, as our experience at Iasta has verified] the reverse is not necessarily true. Sometimes bad people cannot work with good processes effectively, no matter how good the processes are. You need the right person for the job.

However, as a certain other blogger is quick to point out, the central problem of finding good buyers remains. And, although processes can be put in place quickly, it can take a long time to replace good people once lost. Thus, when selecting and implementing a new system, take the time to involve your key personnel and make sure the system serves their needs and that they know how to use it.

Entry Filed under: General, Supply Management Best Practices, Technology, e-Sourcing Marketplace