Operations management software can aid in improving a business’s operations.

This includes, but is not limited to, business process automation, project management software, and even warehouse management software. A sublet of operational software, operations managers and their teams can use this software to bolster business management and drive productivity.

In the following, we’ll discuss how you can increase workflow efficiency by adopting a management solution of your very own. 

1. Establish streamlined processes for completing tasks.

While most organizations may claim to follow streamlined processes, those processes are not always adequately measured or evaluated. For example, a study evaluating the maturity of processes among 263 Polish companies revealed that 37% practiced documented, repeatable processes. However, only 4% measured and managed those processes.

This is just one instance where operations management software, whether it be workflow or project management software, could come into play. By establishing processes using that software, you can ensure that your employees are following the best steps to project completion. Moreover, your software can aid in assessing how well those processes are being followed and identifying areas in need of improvement.

2. Improve communication by using one, cohesive system.

CareerBuilder conducted a survey in which 26% of respondents identified e-mail as a ‘productivity killer.’ As many of us know, inboxes often become overloaded. This often makes it difficult to find the data needed to perform tasks, slowing down overall productivity. Additionally, many organizations communicate across multiple platforms, inhibiting productivity even further.

Rather than communicating through multiple platforms, your employees can communicate within the same system that tracks their processes. For instance, your business can use a CRM (customer relationship management system) to easily manage communications with customers and employees alike. In this way, your employees can accomplish two goals at once: more effective processes and better communication.

3. Access valuable information easily, any time and anywhere.

Another area where businesses decrease efficiency is through inaccessible, or disorganized, data. More than anything, disorganized data incurs wasted time. In fact, Stephanie Winston, author of The Organized Executive, notes that managers lose an average of 1 hour per day to disorganization. Since lost time often equates to lost money, managers often lose $4,000 to $8,125 per year to disorganization.

Operations management software can help to counteract this problem by helping you to manage data more effectively. In many cases, a document or inventory management system can work to alleviate this problem. First, these systems reduce paper, which can easily get misplaced or disorganized. Moreover, they allow you to automate certain tasks, develop more accurate reports, and access data from anywhere, on any device.

4. Simplify onboarding and on-going training via better processes.

Click Boarding, an onboarding software company, conducted a survey evaluating the impact of a positive onboarding experience. As a result, they found that 69% of employees with a positive onboarding experience were likely to stay with a company for three years or more. This illustrates the value of building positive relationships with new employees via a positive onboarding or on-going training experience.

Onboarding software makes it easier for you, or your hiring manager, to carry out and track the onboarding process. Even if onboarding software is supplemental to existing practices, it reduces the time other employees spend training new hires. Plus, it ensures that all employees experience a more consistent, easily replicable onboarding routine.

5. Allow for employee feedback to continue improving the software.  

One way to ensure that your operations management software remains effective is via feedback. Most likely, your employees will be the first to notice when your software isn’t working as effectively as it should. In this way, it’s ideal to regularly seek employee feedback on what is and what’s not working well.

By regularly checking the quality of your software, you can ensure that it's effectively serving your employees and your business. It’s important to note that software performs best when it’s regularly maintained and updated as well.

Where Can You Find Operations Management Software?

Most companies, big or small, could benefit from operations management software. Whether you need workflow management software to onboarding processing software, there are options available for most businesses and most budgets.

For organizations with a more limited budget, off-the-shelf software or subscription-based options are available. However, these options are limited in flexibility, scalability, and features. That being said, if your organization has a more flexible budget, you might consider building custom software designed to meet your business’s needs, and we can help.