The world record for the 100
meter dash is 9.58 seconds. The world record for the mile is 3 minutes 43
seconds. The record for running a marathon is 2 hours and 3 minutes. The 100
meter freestyle swimming record is 44 seconds. The world land speed record is
760 miles per hour (1223 KmH). And the
list goes on and on. So what do these records have to do with ITSM? First these
records are metrics: results of measurements. They measure the performance of
processes (structured steps or actions undertaken to achieve an objective) and
indicate the level of performance of people and vehicles doing the process.
Second these data points reveal the myth of metrics. This myth is the belief
that a person or organization can pick a data point or metric (desired result) before
doing a process and through sheer willpower or force of action achieve that
point. For example a person could not pick a time such as one (1) hour and say
they are going to run a full length marathon in one hour. The only way that we
could ever achieve a one hour marathon is to improve the process we use for
preparing for, training for, and actually running a marathon. The limits of
human and mechanical performance are dependent on the processes used to
undertake an action or achieve certain objectives.
So why does the myth of metrics
exist? This belief comes first from confusing results of measurements (metrics)
with targets or objectives. Objectives and outcomes are actions or situations
we aim to achieve or accomplish; they are not data points. Metrics or results
are indicators of how close we were to our objectives. The myth also derives
from a belief that a person or mechanism has complete control over a result
after they complete an action. If I shoot an arrow at a target, I have
absolutely no control over where the arrow actually lands (the result or
metric) once it leaves the bow. The only part I have control over is the
actions (process) I use to aim, draw the bow string and let the arrow fly. If I
want to improve where the arrow actually lands, I have two choices: move the
target or improve my processes.
So let’s look at a typical
example of where the myth of metrics comes into play with ITSM. This is the
measurement called Mean Time to Restore Service (MTRS). So many organizations
believe that by simply picking an arbitrary target data point for MTRS they
will be able to achieve that level of performance just because they set the
target. Yet no one knows really why that number is the target. If I tell my
Service Desk personnel and technicians that I want all incidents to be restored
within 15 minutes, I am simply setting my people and organization up for
failure and confusion. The only way I can improve my MTRS is not to set a
random or arbitrary target, but to follow the Incident Management process,
measure the results and use that as a baseline for control and improvement.
Dr Walter Shewhart (mentor of W
Edwards Deming) showed this to be true when he developed the concepts behind
statistical control in the 1920’s. The only way to improve quality (conformance
to customer requirements) or results is to first conduct the process; then
measure it to see if it is within its natural range. If it is in range
(statistical control) nothing more is needed; if not then either change the
objective or improve the process. The natural range of a result of an action
cannot be decided before the action is done (the myth of metrics). It is the
result of doing the action.
When it comes to providing
quality and value to our customers through ITSM there is an order of operations
that will help you avoid the myth of metrics:
1. Define
and design your ITSM processes
2. Run
the processes
3. Measure
the processes
4. Baseline
the results
5. Run
the process again
6. Measure
the process again
7. Compare
the second result to the first (baseline)
8. Change
the objective or improve the process
So focus on doing and improving
your processes rather than achieving impractical, unattainable or arbitrary
metrics and data points. Your customers will appreciate the effort.
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