small business

Every process has a step most likely to create delay or error. Look at where work waits, information is retyped or...

Inconsistent names make sorting and searching unreliable. Choose a convention that supports sorting and searching...

Shared or repeated resources decay when maintenance belongs vaguely to everyone. Ownership can belong to one person or...

Work is repeatedly checked when nobody—including the owner—can tell where it stands. A simple status should correspond...

Speed can move defects forward when there is no deliberate review point. Place review after the work is complete enough...

Templates save time only when they separate fixed elements from decisions that still require thought. Separate the...

A process needs a finish state that another person—or future you—can recognize. Describe completion from the outside...

A process cannot be consistent if it begins with incomplete information. Inputs may include approvals, customer...

Two tools doing the same job create divided records and extra maintenance. Compare the duplicate tools by the job they...

Important working files need protection before something goes wrong. Copying files is only the first half of...