Executing a job is relatively similar to any sport. There’s preparation, execution and scoring. Once the scores have been tallied, a winner is decided and both opponents evaluate scores and clips to identify the factors to success or loss. In the recent boxing match of Mayweather and Pacquiao, Mayweather walked away the victor. But, due to inconsistencies on the scorecard, a debate has been sparked on whether Mayweather was the true victor. This fight had hundreds of millions of dollars of bets and salaries hinged on who won, and whether accurate or not, the scorecard rules.
Recording the data
When it comes to documenting a job at Edko, accuracy and consistency are crucial. Spraysheets must legibly and accurately include the required information; acres sprayed, customer/customers, amount of herbicide used, etc. Without accurate, legible and consistent information, analysis of the recorded data will be either impossible or futile. In the end, training someone to properly document on spray records is as vital as teaching them how to spray.
Analyzing the data
Once something’s been recorded, it’s worthless if it’s never analyzed and it’s mostly worthless if it’s inaccurate. If the scorecard wasn’t filled out or reviewed for the Mayweather/Pacquiao fight, there would be varying opinions on the winner, especially if you’re name is Mayweather or Pacquiao. If you’re not analyzing the data, you’re either assuming success or indifferent. It’s better to “know” how you’re doing and not just “think.”
Responding to the data
Responding to data means that you’ve done an analysis and identified factors to success or failures. From there you develop strategies to either replicate that success or avoid future failures. Hopefully the analysis is with (here we go again) accurate data. Did you use too many employees or the wrong employees? Did you use the wrong equipment, was the mix wrong or was the mix spot on?
Who wants to repeat failure and not repeat success? As for Pacquiao, he’s calling for a rematch.