1. Leadership for Business Improvements / Process Flow Analysis
The following is a proceduralreviewof how to improvea (warehouse/transport/distribution/supply
chain) businessby processanalysis.A businesshas(2) two basic entities” People and Processes”. Thekey
to fostera highly efficient& productiveenvironmentisto focuson these two entities. This article will
explain processanalysis improvements.
The tracking and analysis of the entire “flow”in theenvironmentis very important to ensure thatthere
are no issues. The first part of this strategy is to research the totalprocesswhich entails creating a “flow
chart” of all productand information flow thru theentirebusiness.Thenext step is interacting withall
associates who areassigned to all the functionsin the processflow to gathertheir input with theeach of
their areasof processes.Theassociatesthatare responsibleto performthetasksin the flow of processes
and procedureshavevastknowledgeof both theissuesthatoccur and also the areasof improvements
needed.
Establishing a strong working relationship with thekey associatesis of utmostimportanceto gatherall
of the pertinentinformation to maximizethe level of improvements. Thekeysto relationship building
with theseassociatesareshowing a consistentand high level of care, respect and professionalyet
engaging demeanorin a daily basis. A strong workethicwill also greatly gain respect of all key
associatesobserving entirebusinessprocessregardlessof shift.
The otherimportantpartof this topic is also learning as well as performing allof the key associate’s
tasksto achievea morethorough understanding of allprocesses in the business.
Many supervisorsand managerswho areresponsibleforthetasksin the processflow are in their roles
either by attrition as well as seniority.They need to beheld accountableforthesetasksas well as having
the propertoolsand ability to performtheir responsibilities (i.e. EmployeeSuitability).
The nextstep is the gathering of all the proceduresof theentire flow of productin the business
environment. Mostbusinesseshaveoutdated ornotvery defined processesand procedures to ensurea
very efficient and issue freeprocessflow.This issue occursfrequently in mostbusiness and management
will place many associatesoradditionalprocedureson theissue yetnot analyzing the“rootcause”of the
issue to preventfutureoccurrences.
The final step in the restructuring of the environmentisto haveall associatessignoff on thenew job
descriptions.Thismust encompasstheirnew restructured and detailed proceduresthey are responsible
forin a new tightly controlled processflow.Theassociatesresponsibleforthe new defined procedures
mustbe held accountableforall tasksperformed in the processes.
This will create a highly productive,efficientand costeffectivebusinessenvironmentaswell as
increasing service levels.
Author– Tim Calie - LinkedIn
25+ Yrs. - Reducing Costs/ Increasing ServiceLevels / Profitability and ServiceAwards - MajorRetailers