People, Process, Technology: A Framework for Leaders

When managing a workforce, you’ve got two major challenges in front of you: you need to keep your staff happy and meet the expectations of customers.

Without a proper structure, the process must resemble firefighting. You'll be constantly putting out fires, and not being able to establish a stable functioning of the organization. 

“So you’re saying a structure will help, huh?”

Exactly. To be more specific, the PPT framework will help.

In this article, we’ll talk about the People, Process, Technology framework, the best practices for using it and how to implement it in your business.

TL;DR: The people, process, technology framework

• The PPT framework emphasizes the need for people, process and technology to align for successful business operations or change management.
• The PPT framework addresses the key business challenges or tasks by aligning the "golden triangle" or three core components of any organization: the people, process and technology.
• Use the framework to manage projects, navigate change, embark on digital transformation and improve efficiency.
• People are the core of the PPT framework. Their skills, knowledge and buy-in are essential for adopting new processes or technologies.
• Processes offer a roadmap to guide employees, create consistency and offer areas for improvement.
• When chosen strategically,  technology amplifies process efficiency and maximizes employee potential.

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What is the people, process, technology framework?

The people, process, technology (PPT) framework is a popular management approach that focuses on connecting the three elements of an organization: people, processes and technology.

This golden triangle framework is commonly used when making decisions within teams or going through organizational change. 

Take the implementation of new technology within an organization for example. The PPT framework encourages leaders to assess not only the technological aspects but also how it will impact the people and business processes involved. By using the framework, you'll better understand why people might be resisting change and help them embrace it by explaining its impact on their effectiveness.

The three components explained

In this section, we’ll examine each of the three elements in the PPT framework.

‎The people

People are the heart of your organization. They drive change, make decisions and create value for your company. The PPT framework views all employees in your organization as key stakeholders in every initiative.

It’s up to the people in your company to decide whether to adopt processes and technologies or not. Their understanding, or buy-in, is pivotal in integrating methodologies and new tools seamlessly into the workflow.

The process

Processes define how things get done within your organization. Well-defined processes are like a roadmap, guiding your employees towards efficiency and, what’s most important, consistency.

From the PPT framework perspective, people are the driving force and the process is the means to achieve desired outcomes. But there’s still one element lacking — the enabler that will bridge the gap between people and processes. We’re talking about technology.

The technology

Technology is a critical component of most operational processes in today’s reality. The right tools can automate routine tasks, streamline communication and provide insights that were impossible to gain just a few years ago.

It’s the third element of the PPT framework because it empowers people to execute processes in the most efficient way, enabling harmony between all three components.

Achieving a balance between people, processes and technology unlocks the full potential for productivity in every action. 

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The benefits and use cases of the PPT framework

The PPT framework is broadly applicable, but it shines in the following areas:

Project management

The PPT framework is a cornerstone of effective business project management. It ensures that projects have the right people with the necessary skills, a clearly defined action plan and timelines and the appropriate tools for execution and tracking.

📌 ‎Related resource: Project Management SOPs: The Best Way to Conquer Project Goals

Change management 

Implementing major changes requires careful consideration of how they'll impact people, existing processes and technology solutions. The PPT framework provides structure to navigate change management processes, manage risk and ensure full buy-in.

Digital transformation 

Slow adoption of new software is a common problem for organizations. People, technology and processes all work together to create a workplace that embraces creativity and innovation, leading to faster tech and process deployment.

Operational efficiency initiatives

Businesses aiming to improve organizational efficiency can use the PPT framework, too. Striking the right balance between human resources, business processes and tools is the best way to maximize productivity and operational efficiency.

How to implement the PPT framework for organizational success

That’s all very well, but how do you actually put it into practice? One step at a time.

1. Focus on people first

Their skills, motivation and knowledge directly impact the success of any process or technology you deploy. Neglecting the people aspect sets you up for failure, even with the best productivity hacks in place.

These simple tips will help you build a strong foundation for people, technology and processes:

• Hire for fit: Seek candidates who align with your company culture and have the aptitude for learning and adapting to change.
• Invest in proper training: Provide comprehensive training on new systems, processes and their role within the PPT framework. We’ll talk more about it a bit further.
• Empower your workforce: Give employees a voice in operational improvement and encourage their input when making decisions that are going to affect them.

💡 ‎Scribe tip: By encouraging you to involve employees in the decision-making process, we don’t say you should bring everyone to your strategic meetings. Depending on the situation, effective involvement strategies include taking surveys to understand current processes and pain points, talking to people managers, or conducting focus groups with key employees.

📌 ‎Related resource: The Operations Manager Decoded: Role, Skills & New Insights

2. Optimize processes for efficiency

The PPT framework emphasizes the importance of designing strong processes with your people in mind. Here’s how you can do it:

• Process mapping: Visualize your current processes step-by-step. 
• Analyze: Look for redundancies, areas for simplification and opportunities for process automation.
• Implement SOPs: Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) and document them to foster process consistency across the function.
• Commit to continuous improvement: Regularly review processes. Collect feedback from employees and adapt procedures to eliminate pain points or seize new improvement opportunities.

3. Match technology to organizational needs

The PPT framework requires businesses to make sure the technology works for them, not the other way around. Take a phased approach to technology implementation:

• Assess your needs: Start by clearly defining the problems you want to solve or the improvements you seek. Then find technology that addresses those specific needs, not the other way around.
• Align processes and technology: Integrate the selected tech solution into your workflows. 
• Drive digital adoption: Make sure your employees get proficient with any new technology implemented. Consider implementing simulation training, in-app guidance, interactive walkthroughs, tooltips and/or step-by-step guides.
• Seek user feedback: Gather employee input on the effectiveness of the technology. Are there pain points? Is adoption widespread? This data will help you make smart adjustments.

🎓 ‎Learn more: 10 Solid Business Process Software Options for Smarter Workflows

The role of training and development in the PPT framework

All these steps sound simple until you start taking action. And that's where a major roadblock often arises: your employees most likely lack the motivation, knowledge and skills to fully adopt the processes and technologies. 

You need to provide them with proper training to help them effectively navigate the other two components of the PPT framework. 

Here are the actionable steps to achieve it:

1. Develop your leadership.
2. Offer continuous learning opportunities for employees.
3. Train employees to SOPs.
4. Drive technology adoption through training.

1. Develop your leadership

First, you should secure leadership's understanding and support for the PPT framework. Offer workshops, coaching and on-demand resources to guide your leaders in applying the PPT concepts. 

Focus on equipping them with skills to navigate change, communicate effectively with teams throughout PPT framework implementation and address potential resistance.

2. Offer continuous learning opportunities for employees

To build a culture that embraces change, you need to create conditions for ongoing learning and development first. When they’re able to access and absorb the necessary knowledge and skills quickly, your employees will be more receptive to innovative solutions.

Keep your training program updated, offer various learning formats (e-learning, workshops, on-the-job training, etc.) and continue to encourage open communication and knowledge-sharing between employees at all levels.

3. Train employees to SOPs

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are the backbone of process consistency. When everyone follows the same steps, outcomes become predictable and quality improves. But simply having SOPs isn't enough. Stick to the following practices to make SOP training effective:

• Document your SOPs and make them easily accessible to employees. Yes, even if they seem obvious to you — always write your SOPs down.
• Confirm with your people they follow SOPs and run occasional tests and surveys to ensure SOP adoption.
• Regularly update your documentation as processes evolve and provide refresher training.

📌 Read on: How to Implement SOPs: 5 Tips for Making Them Stick📌 ‎

4. Drive technology adoption through training

Technology is a powerful tool, but only if people know how to use it effectively. To achieve a return on investment in technology and drive sustainable growth, you need to provide adequate technology training and support with each system in your tech stack.

It’s important that you go beyond one-off workshops and develop on-demand technology training for employees they can access whenever they need support.

Implement your PPT framework faster with Scribe

‎Before the PPT framework starts working for your company, you’ll spend a lot of time planning and developing training programs. Is there a way to speed up the process? Obviously, we wouldn’t have suggested this question if we didn’t have a positive answer.

You can accelerate the process of creating training content and documentation with Scribe.

1. ScribeHow

What you'll gain :

• Turn on the Scribe recorder, do your work, then turn off the recording.

• Scribe generates a how-to guide that includes screenshots, directions, and clicks.

• Use it to make your course, cheatsheet and sell

🔗https://t.co/ZoupBJuMUw pic.twitter.com/ENwQZZ2MFZ

— Fred | Notion Punk 💡 (@notionpunk) January 7, 2023

‎In just a few seconds, you can build a detailed walkthrough of a process, complete with screenshots and descriptions. Even when your Scribe is finished, you can make quick changes to fit your requirements.

Need to include an extra step? No problem! Also, you can remove sensitive data if necessary.

When ready, you can quickly provide a link to it or save it as a document. Share your process documentation with your employees, and you’re all set to put your PPT framework into action.

The people, process and technology framework helps businesses expand and run more smoothly. So does Scribe.

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FAQs

Who created the people process technology model?

Harold Leavitt, an American psychologist of management, developed the People-Process-Technology model. This model, also known as Leavitt's Diamond Model, consists of four key aspects: people, tasks, structure, and technology.

Is "people process technology" still relevant?

The people, process, and technology framework is the key to thriving in today's business landscape. By achieving harmony between human resources, optimized processes, and fitting technology, organizations can pave the way for success:

• People: Employees are the cornerstone of any business. Investing in their development, well-being, and engagement is vital for overall success.
• Process: Streamlining workflows, establishing efficient business procedures, and continuously improving operations are essential for productivity and effectiveness.
• Technology: Leveraging the right tools and systems can enhance efficiency, innovation, and competitiveness within an organization.

Manage organizational change successfully with people, process and technology

While the impact of technology in the workplace has been growing significantly over the past years, its success hinges on refining processes and investing in your people.

By prioritizing people, optimizing processes and strategically aligning technology, you'll empower your team to embrace innovation and achieve greater success.

Start implementing your PPT framework by establishing an up-to-date knowledge management system with Scribe.

Scribe is your key to a smoother, more efficient PPT framework. Visualize workflows, collaborate in real-time, identify automation opportunities, and seamlessly integrate technology. Empower your people, optimize processes, and drive continuous improvement. Ditch the frustration, drive innovation. Try Scribe today!