Key facts
- SoftPro suggests four steps to improve title production efficiency.
- The company recommends mapping current workflows to understand how processes actually operate.
- Identifying friction points through data analysis, such as order handoffs, is crucial.
- Automation should only be applied to well-documented and understood processes.
- Maximizing existing technology and training is advised before investing in new tools.
- Starting with small, manageable improvements is more effective than large overhauls.
SoftPro, a company with over four decades of experience in the title industry, has outlined a four-step approach to improving title production processes. The company argues that inefficiencies in title production often stem from numerous small issues rather than a single major problem, leading to longer turnaround times and a less consistent customer experience.
According to SoftPro, the first step is to make the entire process visible by mapping out how workflows actually function, including identifying who owns each task, what information is required, and where delays or repeated work occur. This documentation helps standardize processes and ensures consistency regardless of who performs the tasks.
The second step involves identifying friction points by analyzing data such as the average time orders spend in each stage, idle time between tasks, and the frequency of corrections or repeated work. SoftPro highlights that unnecessary handoffs between employees create opportunities for delays and errors, and clarifying responsibilities can improve efficiency.
SoftPro cautions against rushing into automation, stating that it is most effective when applied to well-documented and understood processes. Automating a broken workflow can exacerbate existing problems. The company suggests focusing on targeted opportunities for repetitive tasks and ensuring that automations reinforce solid processes.
Finally, SoftPro advises maximizing the use of existing technology before investing in new tools. This includes bringing data from external workarounds back into the primary title production system and utilizing underused software features through training and exploring integrations. The company emphasizes that consistent, small improvements are more effective than attempting large-scale operational overhauls.