Operations / Technology - By Category
How to Start an Office
Starting up an office from scratch can be an overwhelming task. If you don't know where to begin or what is required to start an office, these resources will help you.
Office Space, Equipment & Supplies
Physical space, equipment and supplies are required to run an efficient office. Office supplies, computers, telephones and photocopiers are just the beginning of the list of requirements. If you are looking for what else is required, these resources will help.
Staffing the Office to Support the Administration of the Company
The heartbeat of the office are the people; the people determine if the office functions efficiently or not. If you are looking for resources to help you determine what type of people you need and how to find the best, these resources will help. Also, careful planning and communications will ensure that the work is being done efficiently, staff understands what is expected of them, and the top employees will grow into promotions.
Cost Saving Strategies and Ideas for the Office
Saving money without sacrificing quality is a catch-22 that every business deals with, and the office is no exception. Creative acquisition, ordering procedures and financing strategies are just the beginning of how to save money. I will cover a variety of different strategies and ideas that help you reduce the cost of running an efficient office.
Managing Communications To and From Customers
Efficient and effective communications with customers involves a lot more that just answering the phone on the first ring. This section will cover strategies and technologies for connecting with your customers. I will move beyond simple messaging techniques, and talk about ways to share information that will build a solid relationship between you and your customers.
Connecting With Employees on the Road, in the Field and at Home
Reaching an employee in the office is usually not a problem, but communicating with them in this highly mobile society can prove to be a challenge. Today's technology provides many solutions so that employees can be contacted (and employees can contact the office) no matter where in the world they are. I will also cover the whys-and-hows of telecommuting.
Increasing Office Efficiency
Increasing efficiency in the office is more than just making people work faster. It involves a blending of a creative management style along with the application of technology. Establishing incentive programs and empowering employees, when done properly, can not only increase efficiency, but also help improve employee job satisfaction.
Managing Vendors and Suppliers
It is just as important to communicate with your suppliers and vendors as it is to communicate with your customers. Establishing the proper communication channels and information flows between you and your suppliers can lead to increased efficiencies, reduced costs and better customer service. This section will cover the simple communication methods (i.e. telephone) and other ideas that will allow your company to build a win-win relationship with your suppliers and vendors.
Managing Finances and Money
The health of an organization is dependent upon how well the finances are managed. The easiest resource that can disappear in the blink of an eye is money. Keeping track of the finances of the company is one of the most important tasks that any office has to accomplish. These resources will help you set up an accounting system to help you mange the financial well being of your company.
Managing Inventory and Inventory Control
Depending upon the type of business you have, the goods in your inventory can consume a tremendous amount of money. From purchasing the raw materials, to shipping the final goods, to stocking spare parts, and everything in between, all must be managed in order to minimize investment and maximize effectiveness. These resources will help you control the inventory that is required to run your business.
Managing Production & Production Control Systems
"Time is Money." The old adage still holds true today. No matter what type of business you have, managing and keeping track of where employees spend their time is an essential function of the office. Directly or indirectly, this impacts everything from production to payroll. These resources will help you track and control employee time.
Managing, Controlling and Securing Information
The information needs of companies have greatly expanded over the last two decades. Today, any company not taking advantage of computers is doomed to fail. Also, companies that have mismanaged their information have also failed. These resources will help you manage and select the right computer and networking technologies that will insure your company's survival in the digital age we now live in.
Glossary of Operations Technology Terms
Don't understand a phrase or term? Look it up here.