What is Process Streamlining, Why Do It and What Can Go Wrong?

How to Streamline Your Processes - Episode 1/8

Welcome to The Series

You 'just know' if you need to streamline your processes but what is it, how do you do it and what can go wrong?

This 8 Part Series Will Teach You Everything You Need To Know

Over the next 8 weeks we will look at everything from how to define a process; how to find improvements; how to document them and how to get people to stick to them. I will share the non-googleable exact techniques I use with my clients that any business can use to streamline their processes. So go ahead and hit that subscribe button so you don't miss out.

Hi I’m Rebecca A business operations adviser helping busy business owners win their time back.

Right lets dive in.

What is process streamlining?

Firstly, What is a Process?

A business process is a structured set of actions or tasks designed to produce a specific outcome. Processes have a define series of steps in a sequence. They're repeatable, the same steps should produce similar results. And they have a purpose, there is a key goal or outcome that the process is there for.

Process Streamlining is Optimising Workflows

Process streamlining refers to the practice of simplifying or optimising procedures or workflows. You're looking to improve the efficiency of how work gets done. You are seeking smooth operations. The goal is to eliminate unnecessary steps and redundant tasks, minimise delays. You will be looking to automate where possible and use tech to optimise what the people do.

What Does Process Streamlining Involve?

Define Your Goals

First, you need to define what you are trying to achieve with your process streamlining. What does good look like once you are done?

Where are Your Opportunities?

To find the opportunities you need to first map out your current process as is. What is happening now, where are the inefficiencies and bottlenecks?

Redesign the Processes

Having identified all of the areas of opportunity, you can make specific improvements. What can be done better, embed those changes.

Don't Forget to Document

Lastly, you must document the process to ensure that everyone is on the same page and does the same thing

This series is going to take you step by step through all of this so you can implement it for your own business.

Why Would a Business Streamline Processes?

Win Back Time

I recently ran a poll on LinkedIn and the number one reason was saving time and wanting to deliver faster. So let's go through all the reasons all of the benefits of streamlining your processes

1. You Save Time

You increase your efficiency and can get more done in the same amount of time.

2. You Save Money

You can reduce operational costs by eliminating waste and unnecessary steps.

3. You Improve Quality

The quality of your output can be improved and more consistent by standardising, eliminating errors and focusing on what adds value.

4. Happier Clients

Customer experience and satisfaction does up through as processes are more reliable, deliver faster and more consistently. Quality also improves.

5. Happier Team

The team's life is easier. They can focus on important and fulfilling tasks. Less goes wrong, less people complain, less time and energy is wasted.

6. You're Ready to Scale

Streamlined processes are much easier to adjust and scale as your business grows eliminating any of the bottlenecks that can be inhibiting your growth.

What Can Go Wrong with Process Streamlining?

3 common things that I see people get wrong

1. Not Focusing on the Goal

Sometimes sub goals in a process compete so fixing one part can actually harm anohter unless you are focused in the overall goal of the entire process. This is common when multiple teams own one process and don’t talk to each other.? Or you could simply pursue the wrong goal and no matter how brilliant the process if it fulfills the wrong goal so won't add value to your business.

2. Doing Quick Fixes to Bugs Rather than Solving for Root Causes

Process these days means tech and automation - a computer based system.? Whenever you set up a system there are always unforeseen scenarios which cause bug.? If you don't anticipate and allow for this you will find people employ workarounds. Workaround render you process inefficient.

3. No one does the documentation

In my experience people often don’t realise how long it takes to do the documentation. It's boring and comes at the end of a big project. But if you don't document it you aren't safeguarding yourself against staff change and you cant guarantee everyone will do it the same way.

If you're thinking, "I need to streamline my processes!"

I've got two ways I can help you out.

1. Watch This Series

It will be a master class in how to streamline your processes and a new episode will be released every Thursday over the summer.

2. Get My Help

I am offering a 20% discount on my 'Streamline Your Processes' service and if you mention this newsletter I will also give you an additional ￡500 off for anyone who signs up during July and August 2024.

If you are interested send me a DM

If you have any comments, questions or feedback leave me a comment. Always delighted to answer questions.

See you Next Thursday

In Episode 2 we will be looking at How to Define your Process Streamlining Goals