Training, and more specifically cross-training, became a very hot topic a few years ago. Cross-training involves training your staff members to handle more than one task. During typical economic times, companies will usually staff themselves for average demand requirements. This generally means that staff members may need to work 15% to 25% longer to ensure on-time delivery in periods of peak demand.

In contrast, during and immediately following economic recessions, most companies will staff themselves for below average demand levels. The challenge is this—staff members may need to increase their workloads by 30% to 40% to accommodate peaks in volume. InfoTrends’ research confirms that businesses are well aware of this issue, and they are training their existing staff members accordingly so that everyone can share the load when demand accelerates. According to InfoTrends’ study entitled U.S. Production Software Investment Outlook, cross-training was the top workflow initiative that companies were pursuing in 2013.

What are your top workflow initiatives for this year? (2013)