Ops in Real Life vol. 14

In this fourteenth edition of Kendall Solves It, we have a question that arose during the National Microloan Conference.

Community Question: How do I assess the best system for my company?

Background: Braxton Management had the privilege of serving on the National Microloan Conference again this year. I also was a speaker. My first workshop was on operational excellence, and a few of the attendees posed questions relating finding the right system.

Kendall's Insight and Action Steps: Some of the following steps may have been addressed in previous volumes, but in business, there's never really too much review. Depending on size, industry, and other factors, there may be some general practices that can be implemented for your business, but every business is different and those variances have to accounted for. Below are some general considerations for assessing the right system for you.

• Adjust expectations knowing copy and paste does not always work from one business to the another.

• Identify your current stage. Be realistic.

• Decide what can be automated.

• Check your budget. Always.

• Consider the primary users.

• Consider how often the system needs updating.

• Compare more than one system.

• Test out the options.

• Implement and plan routine maintenance.

When many people hear the word system, they instantly think of some overly complicated tech. A system could be a binder full of SOPs. A system could be an intricate software with AI automation and bells and whistles. It truly depends on your business offering, size, revenue, etc. A conglomerate's system is likely not going to work for a micro-business, but the key is establishing a system that works for and maintaining it. Implementation is not the end. It's the beginning.

I certainly hope this general overview is relevant to you or someone you know. Community-driven solutions are so important to us. I am committed to addressing real-world problems that impact business operations.   

For tailored solutions, contact us at support@braxtonmanagement.com. We are happy to develop processes and systems for your business. 

Cheers.

K.T. Braxton, MBA