Process Planning & Technology Decisions - Does the process eliminate steps that do not add value?

Background:

When analyzing and designing processes to transform resources into good and services, these questions must be asked:

1. Is the process designed to achieve competitive advantage in terms of differentiation, response, or low cost?

2. Does the process eliminate steps that do not add value?

3. Does the process maximize customer value as perceived by the customer?

4. Will the process win orders?

Each step of the product and service design process must add value, expecially to the customer.

Questions for Thought:

1. Are there a methods to evaluate processes to ensure that steps that do not add value are eliminated ?

2. What if a process becomes too complicated or redundant? What can a manager do to remedy the situation?

3. The video clip protrays a manager discussing the processes of the mailroom to a new employee (Tim Robbins). However, it appears the mailroom processes are out-of-control and just about any action taken may result in having one's pay docked? Can you name some examples from the real world akin to this video clip?