Latest Articles
- 10 Tips for Creating a Data Goldmine
I have been working with many clients who have their information in a database but are unable to get the information they want or know where to find it. Usually the culprit is a series of issues that come together to create the perfect storm of inefficiency. The tips below will help you to prevent this storm and maximize the information in your database to increase productivity and profits.
- How to Make More Money in 2012 with Data Driven Decisions
I have mentioned in many of my articles about metrics. Things we use to measure success and how far you are from reaching your goals. Data is much more than that – it is a valuable tool to make solid business decisions. It also helps you to save as well as make money. Below are some of the metrics you can use to help grow your bottom line in 2012.
- Why Effective Reporting Makes You Money
Many organizations today rely heavily on their technology to get things done. This is something that will become increasingly important as we move into the future. Those who have learned to leverage the information they have can effectively market, close sales, produce their products or services quicker and save money on maintaining those customers. One way to achieve this is through effective reporting.
- Top 10 Reasons Why You Need a Bookkeeping System
As technology progresses it is becoming increasingly important for companies and non-profits to track their information. In a previous article I discussed how to maximize your customer relationship management software. This month I am going to talk about your bookkeeping system. These two areas tend to be neglected by a new business or existing businesses using an effective system that is too difficult to maintain. Either scenario will cost you money, time and sales. Below are the top 10 reasons why you should use a bookkeeping system.
- 7 Ways to Keep Your Database from Becoming a Digital Clothes Hanger
As part of the new reality, organizations are doing more with less. This translates into reduced staff, resources and in some cases office space. This has created the necessity to examine how organizations can use technology to be more efficient. One way is to purchase Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software. Doing a thorough research process and testing prior to buying your system. Once purchased, I encourage you to take the necessary steps to avoid it becoming a digital clothes hanger – aka an unused treadmill. Here are some tips on how to avoid this dilemma for yourself.
Streamlining Workflow
Once an organization has completed 5S standardization they can begin to examine how and why they do things. One of the biggest blockades of addressing this is the fear of change. When you ask staff why they do administrative processes in a particular way it is always followed with “because we have always done it that way”. Not the best answer. When an organization grows it builds on existing tools and procedures without taking into consideration the new conditions or environment. A productivity specialist brings to the table a new set of eyes to examine the overall process for waste, mistakes and bottlenecks.
There are numerous tools to get a clear and defined picture of what is happening within an organization. Some examples are: SIPOC diagram, Service Family Matrix, Swim lane diagram and Value Stream Map. Most organizations tend to focus on what they perceive as a problem area without addressing the overall flow and if that particular step is even necessary.
These tools let an organization identify waste, long lead times, bottleneck and redundant processes. It also allows us to examine what may be possible root causes for a particular problem area. To truly maximize your organization’s resources flow of information within an office environment is vital.
We assist our clients in the analysis and development of these maps so they can address issues that are causing poor cash flow, long staff hours and inflated costs. We work with the staff and management to create an action plan to address the issues discovered during the analysis phase. Croll Productive Synergy also assists the client in implementing these changes thus the organization acts on the findings.
Creating a Value Stream Map for the Office
Value Stream Map designed for recent client
