Paul Harmon

Leading economists have constantly predicted that investment in information systems would lead to major improvements in overall productivity. Posing a contrary viewpoint, other economists and IT specialists have undertaken studies that suggest that information systems is generating little or no increase in overall productivity. Paul presents 3 cases that provide some light on the subject.

Paul takes a close look at 3 cases to chronicle efforts in the last fifty years to improve information systems productivity—the failures and finally, success. It’s an engaging narrative that reads like good must read nonfiction.

Paul uses his considerable birding experience and the fact that birding apps are going digital to discuss the fact that companies are increasing their digital operations and more often than not begin with a struggle to understand their resources and break old habits. Once that step is completed, things prove to be much easier and more efficient. Read his Column for details.

Paul identifies one of the great debates in the world of process improvement as relating to focus is whether one should seek to make modest improvements or seek to identify and work on major improvements. Let us know what you consider the best use of your time these days.

Paul focuses on two process-related articles he recently read that piqued his interest — one enthusiastic about Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and the other arguing that Process Mining is the wave of the future. He is doubtful that either is going to entirely revise how we think of business process change. He explains why in this Column.

Paul’s assessment of 2021 is that it will be a transitional year: We will move from a Pandemic and a shutdown to a new, growing economy. Read his Column to discover why he says, “For those who embrace change and innovation, the near future is going to be very exciting.”

Paul turns his attention this month to what has changed in the world of technology since the pandemic which, of necessity, had to be accommodated. Many found that a digital approach to training offers overwhelming advantages that will continue long after the pandemic subsided. Will you continue with the changes you’ve adopted?

DeepMind is an AI company owned by Alphabet, Google’s parent company. AlphaFold 2 is DeepMind’s latest application which analyzes data about the biochemical makeup of protein molecules and suggests how they are structured (folded). Paul predicts that many business processes will be redesigned in the years ahead to accommodate the use of powerful new tools like DeepMind’s AlphaFold.

Process work goes on continuously. At any given time in any specific organization, someone is working to make specific activities more efficient or effective.