Swivel chair process

Definition

A workflow requiring someone to manually transfer data between incompatible systems by literally swiveling between computers. A monument to IT departments that couldn't be bothered to build proper integrations.

Example Usage

Our order entry is still a swivel chair process between the CRM and ERP systems, because apparently it's 1995.

Origin

Business process improvement terminology from the 1990s automation movement

Fun Fact

Studies show swivel chair processes waste approximately 20% of knowledge workers' time, which they could otherwise spend in unnecessary meetings.

Source: Business process management terminology

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