Planning Workflow Improvements?
Target Process 1st; People 2nd.

Why?

Because process is the foundation; the toolset that employees use to accomplish their tasks. If the tools don’t change then there’s not much that can be improved beyond doing the same thing faster – including the mistakes.

A good goal and ultimately measure of improvement is to first focus on refining the effectiveness of the business process. What is the potential for improvement and is it enough to warrant a change to the activities folks perform? Disrupting people’s work activities needs to be worth it – and they should understand why it’s happening. Explain why they are being asked to change. Sharing this bit of insight can greatly increase the improvements you’ll realize. Folks who are in the loop are much more likely to be champions of the new process because they can affect the outcome. They have ownership.

Really dig deep to assess the potential benefits and likewise disadvantages of making the change. Don’t simply buy in to the general benefits of a new system.

It is worth it?

That’s your call based on what the change will really mean to your company.