Short answer: Workarounds are useful when they are temporary. When a workaround becomes a permanent part of the process, it can hide the original problem and create new risks, costs and training requirements.
Why workarounds survive
People naturally optimize for getting today's work done. If the workaround works, nobody has time to fix the root cause.
The hidden cost
Every workaround creates knowledge requirements, exceptions and opportunities for inconsistency. Over time those costs compound.
Find the first workaround
Ask when the organization first had to do this. That can lead you to the original failure.
Replace the workaround with a system
Once the root cause is understood, redesign the process, technology or ownership model so the workaround is no longer necessary.
How Hectic Solutions Can Help
If your organization has built a process around exceptions, Hectic Solutions can help map the workflow and identify where simplification is possible.
Talk to Hectic Solutions →