Documenting Your Back-Office Processes: A Simple Starting Point
Table of contents
- Start with the work that repeats
- Write each step in plain words
- Add a quality check
- Review it with the people who do the work
Most businesses depend on routines that live in a few people’s heads. Writing them down does not need a large project. It can start with one process at a time.
Start with the work that repeats
Choose a task that happens often, such as processing orders, entering supplier invoices or updating customer records. Repeating work benefits most from a clear, shared method.
Write each step in plain words
Describe who does what, in which order, using which tools. A numbered list on one page is usually enough. Note where decisions or approvals are needed.
Add a quality check
Decide how errors will be caught: a second look, a simple checklist or a regular sample review. Small checks prevent small mistakes from becoming repeated ones.
Review it with the people who do the work
The team that performs the task knows where it really gets stuck. Ask them to correct the draft, then revisit it from time to time as the business changes.
If you would like help putting any of this into practice, get in touch.