DevOps is more of a philosophy or way of working than it is a formal framework or standard. Nevertheless, the approach deserves merit, as it goes to the core of tension in most IT organizations—the need to be responsive to business change while maintaining a stable, highly available IT infrastructure, and delivering quality services that […]
Management Consulting
Tools to Calibrate the Need for Organizational Change Management
While digital transformation started gradually over 25 years ago, this new wave of data driven innovation has steadily gained momentum. Today, digital transformation includes a wide umbrella of technologies – including the cloud, Big Data, analytics, artificial intelligence, mobile/mobility, and IoT. For me, the digital transformation revolution gives us an incredible number of tools to improve how we […]
Build a Perpetual Beta Mindset to Speed Organizational Change
Nearly every day, I can scan the headlines on my news feeds and read a report on the dramatic ways that artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way we work. While the field of AI is wide and evolving, I like the definition given by Nils J. Nilsson, a founding AI researcher at Stanford University: Artificial intelligence is that activity devoted to making machines intelligent, and intelligence […]
Four Steps to Successful Improvement through Customer Feedback
The old adage “the customer is always right” may frustrate some companies, but getting to the heart of the customer voice through robust data aggregation and analysis tools has never been easier. Social media has now given everyone a feedback channel that customer service organizations can harness to improve offerings and stay competitive. Perficient recommends […]
Your “Back of the Napkin” Formula for Leading Change
When was the last time you gave an impromptu update over lunch on the back of a napkin to explain that big change project you are leading? Did you run out of space on the napkin or were you able to succinctly capture and explain where and why the project was – or was not – on target? […]
Spurring Growth Initiatives Through Tax Reform in Insurance
Recent months have seen many discussions and questions about tax reform and its impact on the industry as a whole. The introduction of lower corporate tax rates in the U.S. has created a jubilant atmosphere, as the rates are generally expected to boost earnings and investments for many insurers. Companies including Aflac, MetLife, Travelers, and […]
5 Ways to Transition from Purchasing to Procurement
Perficient’s supply chain team works daily with large companies to define P2P processes related to development and maintenance of large asset intensive infrastructures (e.g. Communications, O&G, Energy). Speed to production and continuous operation are critical in these industries and the value of the Procurement Organization is often overlooked. Procurement doesn’t have to be the necessary […]
Everyone’s Method of Productivity is Different, and Changes
A couple years ago I Googled something along the lines of “how to optimize my time” or “top ten ways to stay productive” and stumbled upon a 2015 Harvard Business Review assessment that gauged productivity styles (found here). Jackpot! I was eager for direction on how to stay productive throughout the day because what worked […]
It’s More Than Technology in the Car Rental Industry
Although investing in technology plays a big role in digital transformation, transforming or growing a car rental company isn’t just about the deployment and modernization of front- and back-end systems. Transformation initiatives also require the development, implementation, and execution of strategies and programs capable of delivering operational efficiency, reducing expenses, and increasing revenue. For example, […]
SEC Investment Company Reporting Modernization Support
The first thing any investment company must do in response to the new SEC Investment Company Reporting Modernization is evaluate its current state of readiness. Chances are you have started a compliance program. However, we can help you understand your gaps, including areas where you need immediate action and longer-term changes to support the program. […]
Enabling Key Stakeholders in the Insurance Industry
Ensuring that agents and brokers have the best tools to evaluate and close opportunities can be a real differentiator for insurance companies. For example, many companies wish to invest in solutions that effectively automate and improve underwriting, as such solutions can help remove human bias, increase the lendable pool of consumers, and reduce response times. […]
Why I Love the Marathon Relay as a Company Team-building Event
Our company participated in the Colfax Marathon Relay again this year. It’s a great event with the marathon broken up into 5 legs (6.5, 4.0, 5.5, 4.1, and 6.1 miles). While I was running my leg, I started thinking about why I like running this race every year with my coworkers (mainly to distract me […]