The importance of business processes…no more break outs please!
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The high-profile escape of an inmate from Wandsworth Prison, demonstrates the need for sound procedures…This is to make sure all processes include a combination of interlinked steps. Think of it as a checklist of best practices and methods of how to run your business.
Each step will be assigned to a specific person(s), or teams in a bigger organization, and the ultimate goal is to deliver a service or product to the customer, in a timely manner and with the quality expected. The steps will be repeated over and over again and actioned by many people in an optimized and standard way.
Business processes are important because they are a step-by-step guide that describes how things are done in the best possible way and makes it easier to focus on improving business processes. New starters can quickly fit in, but the process should not detract from an empowered organisation, simply the way that we do things…” practice makes perfect”!
If a business process is well-planned and strategic, it will help in the following ways:
- Reduced risk and expenditure: A business process lays out the most efficient way to do a job, taking into account potential shortcomings. This reduces risk and expense.
- Reduced human error …tasks are given to people who are more capable, thereby reducing the risk of human error, and in line with tested processes.
- Improved efficiency…moves and relevant steps are clearly mapped out, which enhances productivity. The most efficient way of doing things!
- Collaboration…working together as a team in a process and optimising the way the business works. Processes should not prevent teamwork but ensure that all collaboration works!
- Improved customer focus…a business process continuously updates your company with information relating to the needs of the customer and reviews about the service or product they receive. Processes can be dynamic!
- Effective communication…using market research and reviews, you can communicate much better with the customer, using information which will highlight what is working well, or otherwise.
- Improved time management. Certain activities can be done more efficiently thanks to the development of strategies and flowcharts. Evaluated over time and taking away lost productivity.
- Ability to adapt to new technology…business processes can be improved by taking advantage of the latest technologies and seeing how they best fit within the system.
Processes don’t stifle creativity but allow for agreed guidelines to allow your teams to focus on what matters!
“If you can’t describe what you are doing as a process,
you don’t know what you’re doing.”
W. Edwards Deming