You’re struggling to visualize your data for operational planning. How can you simplify the process?

The #1 way to do that fast is by creating a VISUAL ??? 1. Create a flowchart. 2. Show precisely how each tool integrates with the next. 3. Use it to present to your stakeholders. After all, a picture is worth a 1000-page word document. We use Puzzle — it helps systems builders document and visualize their automations, processes, and systems all in one tool. ? No more flip-flopping from Miro to Notion, Lucid chart to Google Docs, FigJam to Coda. ??? It's time to ditch the "everything whiteboards" like Miro, Lucidchart, and Whimsical. ? Puzzle is a one-stop shop for visualizing and documenting your systems (including technical details) to get your stakeholders to understand how your systems work faster than ever before.

The first step in designing or rethinking your operations starts with documenting the largest components of your operation, which are your integrated core business processes. Core business processes are those sequential activities that define how an organization delivers direct customer value. Once your integrated core processes are defined, then rethinking innovatively how to do things differently can begin. Clear processes can now facilitate the improvement of all elements of design such as; people skills, tools, technology, physical vs. virtual presence, etc).

Whatever is the size of your organization, the effort should begin prior to engaging in significant projects that require a holistic understanding of your operations (e.g. ERP implementations, acquisitions, mergers, expansions). This will allow time to properly understand and improve operations without looming timelines and budgetary constraints undermining the efficacy of the exercise.

Capturing the dream, maps the vision, understand the issue and develop the plan to get there. This will serve the basics for understanding any issue and will help in simplifying the process. Noting down all key elements and then connecting the dots to visualise the data is key. Cant rule out the right software to analyse the data too.

Operational design is a strategic activity that should precede operational management. Once done well and documented it becomes an integral component of an innovative, effective and efficient organization.