Whether to adopt a Lean or Six Sigma approach to process improvement is a conundrum currently being examined by many organisations charged with reducing cost, improving customer satisfaction and maximising quality. Does it work in the Shared Service environment?
Reuters, supported by Atos Consulting, implemented four regional shared service centres, all using a single accounting system and providing standardised business processes right across the globe. This massive project was completed in less than three years – and Reuters is now achieving cost savings and other benefits in excess of its annual savings target of £100 million. A case study is attached to this article.