Add Critical Components to Your Business Systems!
Yesterday we talked about how you can only improve a system's result by improving the process or the component parts. There is no other way! Today I will spend a few minutes talking more about the importance of "components" in your business systems and processes.
You are probably familiar with the term "system components" as it refers to electronics such as a stereo system. The components are the physical things used by a system or process to make it perform properly—to transform materials or information into something that customers will value. In the case of a stereo system, the electronic components transform data into music.
What are Business System Components?
Business system components come in several varieties. They include self-made documents such as policies, checklists, forms, reports, brochures, and so forth. They also include purchased items such as equipment, software, supplies, or tools. Some systems utilize finished goods or inventory, such as the bricks used in a brick-laying process. People are important components of many systems. Every physical object in our world is a component of some system!
Good system developers identify and acquire all of the essential components to have a smooth-running process. Imagine your hiring system without an employment application, your accounting system without software, or your custodial system without a vacuum. Yes, you could get the job done, but the results would be subpar and the costs excessive.
The examples above are obvious, but many small business systems suffer greatly from omitted or poor quality components. Owners fail to notice the missing components, do not realize their potential benefit, or are not willing to spend the time or money to acquire them. Whatever the reason, inadequate components cost business owners dearly in customer satisfaction, quality and efficiency. Like cutting wood all day with a dull saw blade (component), the work is slow, the finished edges are rough, and the customer is disappointed with the result.
Consider this: Components are actually mini-systems themselves. A form is a system to collect information. A paper clip is a system to hold pieces of paper together. A pen is a system for writing and communicating. Look around your desk and you will see many objects; each is a component of a larger system, and each is actually a system itself. Again, everything is part of a system! How components work—and how they work together—are of great importance to your business success.
Manage Your System Components
You and other business owners have hundreds or even thousands of components to keep track of. Not all components are of equal importance, but managing even the essential ones can be a daunting task. However, Box Theory™ offers a unique way to manage components that makes the job much simpler, and Box Theory™ Gold software (coming soon) will make it a snap!
To learn more about system components, and how to manage them effectively, please consider my eCourse available at www.boxtheorygold.com/business-course. In addition, you will get twenty-five Bonus Worksheets—system components—that will help you get off to a fast start. This course will prove to be the most valuable component in your system development activities—besides you, of course!
Tomorrow we will talk about the one component that is more important and critical to your success than all the rest. See you then.
Wishing You Prosperous Times,
Ron
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