Believing that people, processes, and technology are all it takes to run a successful business is wishful thinking. Sure, they’re important, but they’re just a slice of the bigger pie.
If we really want to improve an enterprise, we first need to understand all the resources that fuel the business and help it deliver value to customers.
Take mining, for example—if we only focus on people, processes, and technology, but ignore assets like heavy machinery, infrastructure, or mineral reserves, we’re missing a massive chunk of what makes the business function. In this case, the real backbone of operations isn’t just digital workflows or staff—it’s physical assets.
Before jumping into business improvement mode, a sensible move is to first identify the core resources specific to that business. Once we know what needs to be managed, maintained, and optimised, we can create a realistic, effective roadmap for growth and efficiency.
To conclude, if you want to improve an enterprise, don’t just look at people, process, and tech—start by figuring out what really drives the business forward.