Efficiency is defined as "the ability to do something or produce something without wasting materials, time, or energy" - the quality of work produced.
Productivity is defined as "the rate at which goods are produced or work is completed" - the quantity of work produced".
Can you have one without the other? Yes, but … While improving one or the other can make a difference in your business, making improvements in both can take your business to the next level.
Improve your efficiency by eliminating unnecessary steps or people in a process, or implement new software that reduces waste (time or money). Increase your productivity by making sure your sales team has the necessary tools or the support team in place so they can spend more time selling. When you combine one with the other you have a winning recipe, a combination that goes hand in hand.
According to history, one of the best ways to effect improvements in efficiency and productivity is to take advantage of the technological advances available to you. For manufacturers’ representatives that would be software designed specifically for multi-line reps. Your business model is a unique one, be sure to take advantage of those systems, specially developed, to assist you in improving your efficiency and productivity.
So, as Old Blue Eyes said, efficiency and productivity are like the horse and carriage. If you want to get where you’re going faster and with more success, then you can’t have one without the other!