In the last post, we looked at what automation can look like for a small business. Today, we’re continuing our series on Leveraging Automation (if you missed it, here’s Part 1 & Part 2) we look at processes in greater detail and answer the big question; why is it so important?
When your team is small, its easy to overlook how each person performs a regular task, in their own little way. As soon as your team grows, you can’t afford to accommodate for everyone’s unique way of performing tasks. Standardising the way your business operates increases its potential for greater productivity and higher profits. This means everyone (including you) will know what to do, how it is to be done and what the deliverables are.
Put simply, standard process is where an input(s) is transformed into an output(s). It sounds simple, and likely easier said than done, however once you begin to see and understand the added value through the introduction of standardising process, you will wonder why you didn’t adopt it earlier.
 The input(s) Dining customers, Trained staff and Chilled Mineral Water. |
 The process Trained staff ask each dining customer if they prefer Chilled Mineral Water. |
 The output(s) 10% increased profits straight into your account! |
For example; you’re a restaurant owner, you make profits from selling chilled mineral water (bottled) as opposed to tap water. As a standard rule, you train staff to ask dining customers if they prefer chilled mineral water with their meal. Your expected outcomes from this process are higher sales and greater customer satisfaction. Compare that to your staff just serving tap water without recommending the profitable alternative. You know that more profits could be gained if all staff followed the standard process.
Introducing standard processes to your business (or organisation) ensure your staff complete tasks consistently each and every time.
Have a look around your company, can you identify areas where a standard practise could improve your productivity, efficiency and grow your profits?
Stay tuned for Part 4 coming soon.
