Business 101 – Streamline Your Processes and Increase Production

No matter what your industry or how large your business is, making it as productive as possible is always a challenge. Increase productivity, decrease expenses and keep your employees happy while growing your customer base at a steady rate. Of course, this is much easier said than done! But with a commitment to the lean six sigma process, any business can eliminate waste and increase production.

What is Lean Six Sigma?

Lean six sigma is the process of finding and implementing ways to streamline, reduce and manage workflow and expenses. It is a minimalist approach to work, whether in manufacturing, IT, or retail. It doesn’t matter if you have a home office or a large 10-story office building, everyone can benefit from the lean six sigma methodology.  Lean Six Sigma training is available online for convenient and easy learning.

Henry Ford – The Pioneer of Lean Six Sigma?

One could say that the lean six sigma process started with Henry Ford. He was a master at slimming down expenses, streamlining processes and ensuring things were done as efficiently as possible. Known as the “Grand-daddy of quality,” Ford is credited with inventing the motorized conveyor belt. He continued to fine-tune the assembly process to complete his Model T’s in record time. This allowed him to reduce the price of the Model T each year. He said his customers could have any color they wanted as long as it was black! This was because black paint dried faster. He also doubled the working wage of the time so he had the best mechanics flocking to the company and there was minimal employee turnover.

Cost of Disorganization

A disorganized office and workspace costs companies undue amounts of revenue each and every day. When employees spend time searching for documents and other things that they already have, they waste time. Because time is money, your company is losing an immeasurable amount of revenue by your employees not working, but waiting. Create efficient filing systems, encourage your employees to keep a neat and tidy desk area and make sure that everything has its place.

Double-duty Office Space

If you have a home office, you may find it difficult to create space that is solely used for business purposes. You can create double duty office space using the following tips:

·  Find a corner in your living room to dedicate to your office

·  Redecorate your guest bedroom to create some office space, while still keeping a space for guests

·  Stand-up desks can minimize space while keeping you in shape (sitting at a desk all day can lead to health issues like obesity and circulation problems)

Fewer conversations

While you want your office to be a friendly environment, try to discourage idle conversations between employees and departments. This isn’t always easy, but when your employees get down to the business of working instead of gossiping around the water cooler, production will increase tenfold.

Reduce turnover

When you have employees that treat your company like a revolving door, you have to spend thousands of dollars on finding new ones. Placing the ad, onboarding, training, etc. can drain your expenses and wastes everyone’s time if they end up quitting almost as soon as they’re hired. Find ways to make sure your employees are happy – think compensation and benefits! This will go a long way to creating a healthy and happy environment for everyone.