SPI Analysis

SPI is a Sigma Kudos’ analysis method to investigate conditions, requirements, possibilities, and consequences of changes in information, processes, and systems for managing information in an organisation.

What are the target groups for our information?
What information products will we offer them?
Which channels will we use: paper, web, other channels?
How do we increase the degree of reusability?
How do we administer translations in 12 languages?
What system can handle our production of 12 000 pages?
XML?
Which editor has the best usability?
How do you structure a spare parts manual?
How do we ensure traceability and follow-up?

The first phase is where we define goals, map key factors (problems and opportunities), calculate the time for implementation of the analysis and review all resources. We call this SPI Inventory. This phase usually takes 2 weeks.

Information Analysis

To decide what information the different target groups need, we have to ask ourselves some questions. What is the information object? What has to be done? What previous knowledge does the target group have? When does the target group need the information to be able to perform their jobs?

During the information analysis we:

• Determine the targets for the information.
• Define target groups. 
• Define the information structure. 
• Choose the media distribution channels.
  

An important part of the information analysis is often to investigate the potential of reusing information. A lot of information today is produced and handled in several different parts of the organization and this entails high costs and lack of quality.

Process Analysis

When we carry out this analysis, we have to map the current situation first. The usual way is to do this through one or several flowcharts that describe how information flows today - between different departments, functions and processes. The next step analyzes how the processes should work in an ideal world, and usually highlights some opportunities for change and rationalization. A process analysis has to find the best way to manage your information to be able to reach your goals.

System Analysis

A system analysis is intended to produce a better, more effective, more modern, and more useful technical system solution than the present one. The result of the system analysis will be a suggestion for a solution and/or a functional specification and/or a requirement specification. The system analysis precedes the design and implementation of the system.

Return on Investment

It is common to complement the SPI-analysis with an ROI-calculation (Return on Investment) where we try to quantify the effects of the suggested changes.