As consumers, big business has made processes in our everyday lives easy. They give us apps for just about anything – banking, maps, booking flights, hotels, staying in touch with others, and sending emails.

However, when it comes to work-life, things can look quite different, with many businesses relying on paper-based and clunky systems.

The challenge then, is for businesses to create the same sort of simplicity inside the business as what we are used to in our personal lives.

Despite the promise by software companies, creating this level of operational simplicity is not as easy as buying off-the-shelf software. All businesses have unique processes which need to be respected as they can be the basis of a companies competitive advantage.

So how do we create operational simplicity?

Paradoxically, the answer is to forget about the technology, at least initially. Think of the process more as a conversation between leaders, managers, and staff. Start the process conversation with ‘What do we really want?’, ‘How could we work together to get this done?’, ‘Wouldn’t it be good if?’. Map out what you think will work and then, and only then, look for the technical solution.

Our approach at Transfirm is to help clients have the best possible process conversations and translate these to practical apps that allow the business to run smoothly and effectively.

The processes vary depending on industry and company. Examples of processes we have streamlined into apps include:

– Scheduling work
– Delivering the work
– Managing Supply
– Recording time-sheets from the field
– All ISO processes (calibration, doc control, audits, risk etc.)
– Equipment Pre-Starts & Servicing
– Toolbox discussions
– Training and assessment of competency
– WHS inspections & contractor management

Whatever the process, it starts with asking the right questions and finishes with a user-friendly experience that improves the bottom line and makes the business run smoothly.