Operational Excellence is a term you’ve probably heard a thousand times.  So what is operational excellence—what is the definition of operational excellence— what does it mean?  And why is it important?  Before we can be it, we have to know what it is.  If I were to stub my toe on it, what would it look like?

Let’s start by differentiating operations from operational. Operations is about processes, whereas operational deals with systems—even entire enterprises. Accordingly, there must be a difference between excellence in operations, or process excellence, and operational excellence. Simply put, excellence in operations is efficiency—doing things right—but operational excellence is effectiveness—doing the right things. Continue reading →