The role of a Chief Operating Officer has evolved dramatically. It’s no longer just about managing the factory floor or optimizing a warehouse; it’s about being a digital strategist. In today’s landscape, a COO’s ability to integrate technology and automation into a company’s core operations is what separates a business from its competition. As a fractional COO, my expertise lies in transforming operational challenges into strategic advantages by bridging the gap between physical processes and digital innovation.
The Problem with the Old Way of Thinking
For many mid-sized, privately held, and family-owned businesses, the traditional mindset views technology as an IT function, separate from core operations. This leads to a significant disconnect where critical data isn’t being leveraged, processes are not automated, and the business is unable to scale efficiently. My background as an “operational CFO” means I intrinsically understand how financial and operational decisions impact each other, and I know that technological innovation is a key driver of both profitability and efficiency.
A New Approach to Operational Excellence
My approach to operational improvement involves a methodical process that integrates technology and automation to drive a more cohesive and impactful result.
1. Identifying Technological Blind Spots: The first step is to identify where your operations are being hindered by a lack of technology. This involves a comprehensive review of your processes, from supply chain and inventory management to production and fulfillment. I will look for opportunities to implement new technologies like IoT (Internet of Things) to monitor machine performance, AI and predictive analytics to optimize your supply chain, or automation to streamline a production line. My experience as an “operational CFO” helps me identify how these technological improvements will drive financial outcomes.
2. Integrating Technology for Efficiency and Productivity: Once a blind spot is identified, the focus shifts to a strategic implementation that minimizes disruption. This includes implementing lean manufacturing principles such as Six Sigma and 5S and integrating new technologies to create a cohesive system. My approach focuses on improving processes and exploring automation from both a machine and an employee perspective, freeing up your team to focus on higher-value work.
3. Building a Culture of Innovation: A technological upgrade is only successful if your team is empowered and trained to use it. I will work to champion initiatives focused on employee retention and talent development within operational teams. This is part of a larger, company-wide cultural initiative that ensures your team sees technology as a tool for success, not a threat.
Don’t let a lack of digital transformation hold your business back. By partnering with a fractional COO who understands the intersection of operations and technology, you can turn your challenges into strategic advantages and position your business for a future of unprecedented growth. Your operations, optimized. Your success, realized.
Let’s talk about how to transform your operations for the tech-driven world.
