Masonry Magazine June 2008 Page. 45
Steps Step to Create Systems
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`1) Identify areas to systemize.
Start a Fix-it list identifying everything you need to fix in your company. Keep this list handy and add to it when things go wrong. At your manager meetings, pick the top one or two items to systemize every week.
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`2) Assign system team.
After choosing a system to create, pick three or four people to work on the company standard. Let them pick a convenient time and location to work together for a few hours. Involve those who actually work within the area being systemized. For example, your team might include a project manager, foreman and journeyman when systemizing a field standard.
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`3) Draft minimum standards.
Create checklists with pictures of the desired end result for each system. Draft it on a standard paper for three-hole punching into a binder.
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`4) Formalize it.
Assign a staff person to be in charge of formalizing and distributing the systems.
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`5) Try it.
Let the team who created the system try it and work out all the bugs for a few weeks before implementing it company-wide.
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`6) Implement it.
At regular monthly meetings, have the team who created the system present it to the entire company. You must insist everyone do the system per the company standard - no exceptions, including yourself. If someone protests, let him put the item back up on the Fixit list for further revision.
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`7) Follow-up.
After six months, revisit the new systems to insure they are still being used and working well.
The beauty of systems is not worrying whether every project will be built the same way. This will allow you to spend your time on important matters as little problems go away. To get started, create a Fix-It list today, and you will be organized sooner than you think.
ification. The best systems are team designed by the people who actually do the work and know how to do it best. For example, at hotels, all rooms look the same when ready to occupy. How is this done? It's simple. A picture of a ready room is shown to the housekeepers and the supervisors explain what is expected. They don't care how the result is accomplished, just that the room is perfect when completed. This simple approach can be applied to every part of your business.
Create a "DO" manual
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`Organizing and systemizing your company requires time and money to produce consistent results and get everyone doing business the same way. Create a "DO" manual of pictures, checklists and guidelines as your company minimum standards. Build a three-ring binder of standard systems for every aspect of your company and field operations. Include everything from how to prepare a timecard or calculate change order markup, to how to install slab expansion joints, form door openings in concrete walls, do monthly job close-out, and get paid. Focus on the important things first that will make a difference in your bottom line. Make a goal to create one system per week, and you will be organized in a year.
Best-selling author and professional speaker George Hedley helps entrepreneurs and contractors build businesses that work. He is the author of the "The Business Success Blueprint Series," available in eight workbook and audio CD sets. Contact him to present to your organization on his proven system to build profits, people, customers and wealth. Construction company owners are invited to attend his two-day Profit-Builder Circle boot camps. Email George at gh@hardhatpresentations.com to receive a free copy of his book "Everything Contractors Know About Making A Profit," or signup for his free monthly e-newsletter. For more information call 800-851-8553, or visit his Web site and bookstore at www.hardhatpresentations.com. IMAS
George Hedley, HARDHAT Presentations. 3189-8 Airway Ave., Costa Mesa, Calif. 92626
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June 2008
Masonry
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