Creating a Business System means different things to different people. For example, a business system can be as simple as a receipt form, policy, or a simple procedure. However, when creating a business system for an entire company, this entails an all-encompassing SYSTEM. In fact, the operations of a company from front to back; from opening to closing!
All-encompassing systems are ERP Enterprise Resource Planning software and/or BPM Business Process Management software.
System Definition | Total Business System
As defined for an all-encompassing, company-wide system: A SYSTEM is an orderly method, design; an assortment or arrangement of documents and facts that relate to, or interact with each other, in such a way as to form a whole.
In other words, creating a business system of interacting business documents results in a symphony of order known as, THE SYSTEM! All “big boy” companies have a comprehensive operations manual accessible to employees. In fact, that’s how they got to BE a “big boy!”
However, any size company can do this! We did it!
Creating a Business System | Franchises
When franchises started popping up all over the United States, folks thought they were amazing. The reason was, McDonald’s-type franchises could deliver a burger in a minute, which took other hamburger joints 30 minutes. Most importantly, with these type franchises, you knew exactly the product to expect. In fact, no matter their location, they delivered consistent product and service. Now, isn’t that how ALL companies should operate?
Surprisingly, many long-time business professionals didn’t have a clue as to how these franchises could expand so rapidly. Truth is, many business professionals STILL don’t have a clue! But, I totally understand them not having a clue, because you don’t know, what you DON’T know. Years ago, I didn’t have a clue how to organize a small company, much less a multi-location business. However, when chaos struck our growing business, I started seeking a way to end it. Most importantly, I found the answer!
Most business people think it takes millions of dollars to franchise-ready a business. Actually, it doesn’t. But, it does take time, patience and persistence.
The good news is, once learning the nuances of creating a business SYSTEM, an entire new world opens. Subsequently, there are no limits as to how far a business can grow and expand.
The reason most mom and pop businesses stay small is, they simply don’t have the RIGHT system for growth. Moreover, they either don’t want to grow, thinking it means more work; or, they choose to remain ignorant of how to grow. Additionally, those who experience the benefits of creating a business SYSTEM, never return to the land of chaos. In other words, through systematization of their business they found the promise land. You might say, a Golden Goose!
Creating a Business System | A Gold Goose
The most amazing thing about creating a business system with NO GAPS in the Circle of Interacting sub-systems is, that it keeps running with minimal input by the business owner. In other words, the operations of a business are peaceful due to organization through systematization. Because, with a written operations manual, everyone in the organization knows WHAT, WHEN, WHERE and HOW, concerning their job expectations.
Truly, like a Golden Goose, systemization just keeps on giving, delivering the goods!
Did I mention? Great systems work!
Philip Beyer, founder/president of Ebiz Products LLC and founder of Beyer Printing Inc. in Nashville Tenn., is a chronic entrepreneur, business systems analyst and consultant. Author of "System Busters: How to Stop Them in Your Business" and recipient of an InterTech Technology Award for the design and development of System100 business process management software. Beyer speaks to business owners across the country on how to bring lean, sustainable order to their businesses. Contact him at (615) 425-2652.