Is It Time To Overhaul Your Business Systems?

Is your company in need of a system and process overhaul? If so, it's crucial to recognize the signs that your current systems may be causing more harm than good. Mistakes and rework, missed deadlines, jobs going over budget, and an influx of questions are all indicators that your systems may need some attention. After all, the purpose of a system is to save you stress, time, energy, and money. However, creating a good system requires dedication and effort, as well as ongoing maintenance to ensure long-term benefits.

It's akin to cleaning out your closet - you put in the effort, everything looks great for a while, but before you know it, it's messy again. Systems are no different; they are run by humans who have a tendency to complicate things over time. While surface-level issues may appear to be people-related problems, simply throwing more resources at the problem is not always the solution. It's like buying a bigger house with more closets because your current closet is messy - what you really need is to tune up the system itself before adding more people into the mix.

Identifying Core Processes for Improvement

To begin the process of streamlining your company's systems and processes, start by identifying the core processes that truly drive your business. While most companies typically look at processes by function, it's essential to consider the customer's journey which often crosses various functions within the organization. This is where things can get messy as handoffs between functions can lead to compromised customer experiences.

Create a list of the core processes that drive your company and cross a variety of functions. Most companies have about four to nine core processes. The primary goals of this exercise are to assign an owner to each core process and ensure that the new process improves efficiency, speed, or cost-effectiveness.

The Process Accountability Chart (PACe) from the Scaling Up framework is a valuable tool for this purpose. If you'd like a copy or need assistance with implementing it into your business, feel free to reach out.

Embracing Continuous Improvement

Improving systems and processes is an ongoing endeavor that requires commitment and dedication from all levels of the organization. By identifying key processes and assigning ownership while focusing on continuous improvement, businesses can streamline their operations for long-term success.

Remember that improving systems and processes isn't just about making things better for today; it's about setting up your company for sustained success in the future. So take the