5 Managerial Optimization Practices Your Business Needs

If you currently hold a management position or oversee multiple divisions of employees within a company, you may find yourself constantly looking for new ways to be more efficient in order to optimize your time and efforts. As “Lean” manufacturing describes, companies should always be engaged in a relentless pursuit to improve current operational and production processes. Finding new ways within the office, as well as external implementations that can improve output and employee morale can go a long way. Regardless of the industry you work in, the size of the business, or the current organizational structure of the company, workforce optimization can be reached.

Whether it is something as simple as productivity or operational day-to-day changes, or the adaptation of a new technology that can make processes less complex, there are answers to your current output challenges. Here are some great options you can use to not only make management easier but align the entirety of the business more closely with the Lean system.

Uncover Any and All Inefficiencies

Although some lag and waste are expected in any business, large or small, there are several places within the operations process that a manager can find ways to cut back or save time. It may be as simple as a lack of optimal communications and knowledge transfer between departments. However, more complicated problems could consist of machine error, inconsistencies in supply chain management, or misallocation of company resources. No matter how big or small, these issues fall back on to the executive and managerial teams. Find and record all inefficiencies that could be fixed before making any decisions that could improve workflow.

Save Money On Hardware

One way companies are saving money is by eliminating the need to buy certain hardware such as laptops and company mobile phones by adopting “Bring Your Own Device” or BYOD policies. Having employees supply their own devices while only having to incur the expense of the wireless network connectivity would save thousands of dollars each year. These funds can be allocated elsewhere to fix production issues, buy new software, or upgrade other equipment for a more efficient process. All of these examples can make Lean manufacturing possible within almost all business models.

Improve Communication Within and Between Departments

Trying to improve the cross-departmental insufficiencies of a business can be a difficult challenge. But taking the time to re-evaluate and rearrange the way interactions occur within departments, as well as the business as a whole, can seriously impact the bottom line. Poor communication can prevent progress in operations and productivity, while at the same time cause a hostile and adversarial environment which hinders collaboration. Picking the right employees to lead each focus area of the business is crucial, along with aligning experienced individuals to work beneath them to ensure that all communication can flow down the chain-of-command effectively. Employee development will surely become a higher focal point if they are coached correctly and inspired to do their best work. Team cohesion can mean the difference between minimal and significant lag. Without it, the concept of Lean manufacturing is rendered useless. 

Consider Automating Certain Practices

Adopting automation software to certain aspects of the business can save time, money and hassle for management. This automated programming has the ability to do a variety of things, from assisting in inventory management to simplifying order processing. This can also help cut back on waste by expediting several different product development and product assembly tasks. Robotic process automation has become a standard for large, diverse companies with a variety of different departments and an array of processes to make back-end tasks simple. Consider the advantages of automating your business can have both financially and strategically.

Implement Employee Recognition Programs

Exploring options like employee recognition programs may be extremely beneficial for not only company morale, but overall productivity as well. Although it’s difficult to measure the ROI on these programs, showing gratitude toward your staff for their good deeds and accomplishments will keep their work ethic at a consistently high rate while simultaneously incorporating friendly competition into the workspace. If your employees know what they are working toward in terms of personal accomplishment, they will feel a sense of urgency and pride in their work. While at the same time, the business will benefit in the long-run through sustained teamwork among divisions and consistency in meeting company-wide quarterly, and annual goals. Cash bonuses, additional vacation time, and employee of the month awards are all great ways to keep your business in the black.

About the Author: Chandler Coleman is a contributing author focused on the tech sector and discusses topics such as business-related software and automation processes.