New Post: What Are Ways to Streamline Operations in a Small Business? - https://lnkd.in/gPVseuJM - Wearing many hats is a standard for most small business employees. But what if you could free up time and resources without sacrificing results? Streamlining your operations is the best way to achieve this goal.
In this comprehensive article, we’ve asked fourteen Operations experts, from managers to directors, about their experiences with optimization. They share a wealth of practical strategies from inventory management to project workflow. Whether you’re in construction, hospitality, or a different industry, these valuable tips and techniques will boost efficiency and propel any business forward.
“Operations managers, what is one way to streamline operations in a small business?”
1. Analyze Areas for Efficiency
“It truly takes a lot of thought, evaluation, and a bit of getting your hands dirty to streamline operations in the small-business world. Analyzing what is needed to improve efficiencies and utilizing the people you have and tools that are truly at your fingertips—’There has got to be an app for that’ mentality.
“Inexpensive apps that integrate with others you use, such as ClickUp or Asana with Slack, have made a world of difference. Being able to create anything from a task or project list to task trackers or SOPs, all in one spot, has made a drastic improvement in efficiencies and visibility for our business”. Brenda Tennent, Peak Cleaning Service, LLC
2. Reduce Errors and Free Up Employee Time
“As the Director of Business Operations at Stallion Express, I know how important it is for small companies to make their processes more efficient. Automating tasks is an effective strategy. By automating repetitive tasks like payroll and order processing, businesses can cut down on mistakes and give employees more time to work on more important projects.
“For example, at Stallion Express, we implemented automated tracking for our shipments. This not only made us 30% more efficient but also made our customers happier by providing them with information in real time.
“Statistics show that businesses can make up to 25% more money when they use technology. From what I’ve seen, using technology not only makes work easier but also makes employees more interested and driven. Streamlining processes will be important for long-term growth as we adapt to a competitive market.” Jen Seran, Stallion Express
3. Build Strong Supplier Relationships
“As a co-owner of a contract manufacturing firm, I’ve found that streamlining starts with building strong relationships with suppliers and focusing on quality. We invest heavily in supplier meetings, quality control programs, and scorecards to gain visibility and address issues proactively.
“For example, we implemented a quality checklist and multiple inspection points to catch defects early. We also
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