You’re looking to increase productivity. How can you use operational planning tools to get there?

1 Operational planning dashboards

One of the most useful operational planning tools is a dashboard that displays the key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics that matter to your organization. A dashboard can help you track and visualize your progress, identify and address issues, and make data-driven decisions. You can use a dashboard to monitor your operational efficiency, quality, customer satisfaction, revenue, costs, and more. You can also customize your dashboard to suit your specific needs and preferences, such as choosing the layout, colors, charts, and filters.

3 Operational planning templates

A third operational planning tool is a template that provides you with a ready-made structure and format for your operational plans and documents. A template can help you save time and effort, standardize and align your operational practices, and ensure consistency and quality. You can use a template to create and update your operational plans, such as your annual plan, quarterly plan, monthly plan, weekly plan, and daily plan. You can also use a template to produce and share your operational documents, such as your reports, proposals, presentations, and invoices.

4 Operational planning frameworks

A fourth operational planning tool is a framework that guides you through the steps and stages of your operational planning process. A framework can help you define and clarify your operational objectives, strategies, actions, and outcomes. You can use a framework to plan and execute your operational activities, such as your analysis, design, implementation, evaluation, and improvement. You can also use a framework to align and integrate your operational plans with your strategic plans, such as your vision, mission, values, and goals.

5 Operational planning best practices

A fifth operational planning tool is a set of best practices that helps you optimize and enhance your operational performance and results. A best practice is a proven method or technique that has been tested and validated by experts and peers. You can use a best practice to learn from the experiences and insights of others, avoid common mistakes and pitfalls, and adopt the most effective and efficient approaches. You can also use a best practice to benchmark and compare your operational performance with your competitors and industry standards.

6 Operational planning training

A sixth operational planning tool is a training program that helps you develop and improve your operational planning skills and knowledge. A training program can help you acquire and update your operational planning competencies, such as your analytical, creative, organizational, and communication skills. You can use a training program to access and utilize the latest operational planning tools, techniques, and trends. You can also use a training program to network and interact with other operational planners, mentors, and instructors.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?