Operational efficiency is both a business goal and the process used to achieve it. The goal is simple. Organizations want to maximize productivity using the fewest inputs possible. This means achieving high output levels while dramatically reducing waste. However, while the goal is simple, the process involved is anything but.

Achieving operational efficiency transcends simple cost-cutting measures. Lowering costs is just one element of a much more holistic process that involves deriving the most value possible from every aspect of your organization. There is no single set of guidelines that every company can follow because every operation faces different challenges. Below you’ll find a starting point for your own explorations.