Most small businesses operate without documented systems and processes. While it’s possible to manage without them, having well-defined procedures is crucial for operating as efficiently and profitably as possible.

The Importance of Systemisation

Consider two employees performing the same task: one follows a written process outlining the steps, time frame, and expected outcome, while the other takes shortcuts and does things their own way, often resulting in the need for corrections. This can lead to double handling and inconsistent results. The situation becomes even more challenging if an employee is on sick leave or leaves unexpectedly. Without a user manual, training a new employee can be a difficult and time-consuming task.

Building Your Process Bank

To start documenting your processes, ask your employees to list all the tasks they regularly perform and outline the steps they take for each one. From this, you can review and refine the processes as needed. This approach helps build your process bank and is essential for strengthening your business systems and improving profitability.

Ongoing Review

Once your key processes are documented, it’s important to review them annually to ensure they remain accurate and relevant. This regular review helps maintain efficiency and supports the continued growth and success of your business.