Systems – The Technical
Firstly the technical side of your business, its operational Systems (not necessarily IT software), have to provide real time accurate data that allows you to take regular informed decisions before off-schedule conditions, that deteriorate into fire-fighting, get out of control.
Systems however, also include the workflows and business processes that should define exactly how the work will be done to optimise productivity to best practise standards. As new technologies or fresh ideas surface, then these standards may evolve and change over time, but as long as they are documented and disseminated to ensure the team adopts the correct procedures then the systems will ensure that best practise behaviour is perpetuated.
Management control systems are the main focus of this approach. The design and development of meaningful, tangible Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) are the driver towards measuring the outcome of the workflows and processes as to whether they are the most effective to achieve the results.
A robust management control system will also provide data telling you where in the process the inefficiencies exist. In turn this will highlight how much that’s costing your business (time, money, materials), and focus your managers reviews and collaboration with employees to reduce those weaknesses.