It used to be that technology was the domain of high-tech companies – those that build semiconductors or rocket ships. However, times have changed and today every company is a technology company.
To follow through on this truth, a company needs to have access to engineering talent. It could be for innovation, or just to help make sure that complex systems keep working. With that in mind, here are 5 engineering capabilities every business should have.
1) Think Like an Engineer
Now, this can be a bit of a double-edged sword as some engineers tend to be too rigid in their thinking. However, the point here is to be a tinkerer, to think like someone who is constantly searching for a better way to get things done.
This sort of systems thinking can help companies in all industries to better serve their customers, and by extension gain an advantage on their competitors. However, this does not mean that you should set your team lose by coming up with solutions in search of problems. After all, this is not what engineers do.
Instead, they look at the problems faced by customers and then try to figure out ways to eliminate the inconvenience. This means looking at things which most people would often consider unimportant by looking for trends (i.e. data) in unexpected places and trying to meet needs even before customers say they have them.
2) Define the Process
Another thing which sets engineers apart is that they tend to follow a well-defined process to get to a solution. Even in circumstances where the problem encompasses a broad portfolio of possibilities, engineers know that best way to find a breakthrough is to follow a path which will get you to the answer.
How can this be? After all, Eureka moments are supposed to come to you. While this might appear to be true, the reality is that you need to dig to find gold. As Thomas Edison said – ‘genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.’ He should know as it took him thousands of tries to build a working lightbulb.
Part of the reason why he could reach his goal is that he used each experiment as an opportunity to learn about what worked and what didn’t. In doing so, Edison followed a well-defined process to get him to the breakthrough he was searching for.
3) Measure Like You Mean It
Engineers are known for their reliance on data and this means getting into the habit of capturing and analyzing data from multiple sources. It doesn’t matter if you are trying to build the perfect cupcake or a wind generator, you want to make sure that you measure performance and reliability to make sure you are delivering the best quality solution every time.
If you are not in the habit of measuring, then start with those items which have a direct impact on your bottom line. These could include material and labor costs, for example. Then, look at what metrics impact the performance of these line items.
In some cases, it could be yield from raw materials, while in other cases it could be measurements of productivity. Either way, the idea is to get passionate about measurement, as this will give you the data you need to remain ahead of the competition.
4) Engineers Take Responsibility
If you are looking to create an environment where everyone is working to make things better, then you need to bake in the concept of taking responsibility. While this does not mean creating an environment where the ax falls with every setback, it does mean that everyone will learn from what didn’t work and will try twice as hard to correct the issue.
5) Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
While many people believe that engineering is solitary, the reality is that it is extremely collaborative. The lesson here is two-fold. First, involve everyone as you will never know where the best ideas will come from. Second, ask for outside help when needed.
This is especially true in small companies as you might not have all the skills needed to address a certain challenge at hand. By the same token, you might not want to add another full-time employee. As such, don’t be afraid to ask for help as doing so will help you get to a solution.
