How process improvements help the trades is a topic that is not well understood. This is why many small businesses in this industry struggle to manage the very real frustrations of the job. Are you one of such owners? Read on…..
The trades, such as construction, electrical work, and plumbing, are essential industries that play a critical role in our daily lives. These industries are responsible for building and maintaining the infrastructure that we rely on at home or commercially, and they require workers who are skilled and efficient in their work.
Process improvements are necessary not only for success in the trades industry, but for businesses in every industry. The trades industry is unique because they require technically skilled workers. Unfortunately, many of these technical workers do not possess the same level of expertise with organization and management procedure skills.
This article takes a look at some of the benefits and ways process improvements can make a difference in the trades business.
What Do You Hope to Accomplish with Process Improvements?
For any business, there are four key objectives of any process improvement initiative. These are to
- Streamline to increase efficiency
- Reduce errors and improve quality
- Minimize waste to reduce costs, and
- Improve productivity
Whether you are a contractor, electrician, plumber, or any other type of trades professional, streamlining your processes can help you increase your efficiency, reduce costs, and provide a better overall experience for your clients – which is what you want!
Therefore, any improvements you conduct must target one of these objectives in order to be effective. Each of the examples provided in this article identifies each of these objectives.
Key Benefits of Process Improvements – Areas of Focus
Key areas that benefit process improvement in the trades are :
- The use of technology
- Standardization of processes
- Internal and external communication
- Job planning and scheduling
- Supply Chain Management
- Training and Development Opportunities, and
- Continuous improvement initiatives
Use of Technology
One of the biggest ways to improve processes in the trades is by adopting new technology. Technology has revolutionized the way businesses operate, and the trades industry is no exception.
Unfortunately, many small businesses tend to lag behind their larger counterparts in adopting new technologies because of an unwillingness to “change the way we have always done this” syndrome sometimes brought on by the fear of the unknown.
Technology can help streamline workflows, increase efficiency, and reduce errors. From project management software to mobile apps that streamline communication with clients, there are numerous tools currently available to help improve processes in the trades.
For example, small construction renovation companies can benefit from the use of project management software to keep track of tasks, deadlines, and budgets.
Business and field operations for construction and plumbing companies require a lot of manual processes and paperwork.
These can cause delays or use of incorrect information if data is incorrectly entered . Technology to digitize paperwork and automate processes can improve many many areas of your operations.
Electricians, on the other hand, can use apps to access technical drawings and schematics on the go, while plumbers can use digital software for scheduling and other digital tools to diagnose problems and find solutions faster.
Using technology not only saves time but also helps improve your accuracy and quality.
Standardizing Processes
Standardizing processes is another way to improve efficiency and reduce errors in the trades. By establishing standard procedures for tasks, workers can be more productive and confident in their work – IF these procedures are properly drawn up WITH ALL THE REQUIRED INFORMATION.
This can help reduce the time it takes to complete tasks, as well as reduce the risk of mistakes. Several business owners will boast of having procedures, but most of the time, these procedures have gaps that leave room to guesswork. Is it any wonder that there are errors and rejected work!
In addition, standardizing processes can help companies ensure that their workers are following safety protocols, which is particularly important in the trades. A safety manual is a must
Improving Communication
Effective communication is critical to the success of any trades business. However, with multiple team members, clients, and suppliers to communicate with, it can be easy for messages to get lost in the shuffle.
Three ways in which this can be properly done are by streamlining communication, document management and integration of software tools
Streamlining communication
among workers, supervisors, and clients improves the accuracy of instructions given and external messaging to the clients to ensure that everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goals.
Document accessibility and update – Key benefits of process improvement
For example, holding regular meetings, using instant messaging apps, and keeping project documentation up to date in a central, easily accessible repository will increase efficiency.
Integration of tools
In addition, using a platform that integrates with other tools you use, such as a customer relationship management (CRM) , project management software or your accounting system, can further help streamline your processes and increase profit margins. So, do not shy away from the use of technology!
Improving Job Planning and Scheduling
Accurate job planning and scheduling are essential to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget.
To improve these processes, using scheduling software that allows you to create detailed job schedules, assign tasks to team members, and track progress in real-time is an absolute necessity.
Many in the trades industry currently use these tools.
Furthermore, regular meetings with your entire team ( not just individual job crew)can help ensure that everyone is aware of the latest schedule and understands their responsibilities.
This will help you identify potential problems before they occur and so that necessary adjustments can be made to processes to keep your projects on track.
Streamlining Supply Chain Management
The trades often rely on a complex network of suppliers and contractors to get their work done.
Improving supply chain management can help ensure that the right materials and equipment are available when they are needed, reducing downtime and delays.
By establishing a clear communication system with suppliers, setting up automatic ordering systems, and keeping track of inventory levels, companies can streamline their supply chain and reduce the risk of errors.
Choose your suppliers wisely and ensure that you maintain good relationships with them by paying invoices promptly.
Providing Training and Development Opportunities
Finally, providing training and development opportunities for workers can help improve your processes. By investing in the skills and knowledge of employees, and ensuring that they have the right tools will create the expertise to get the job done.
This can also help attract and retain talented workers, as they will feel valued from the opportunity to grow their careers.
Promoting the Benefits of Continuous Process Improvement
Finally, it is important to continuously evaluate and improve your processes. Regularly reviewing your processes and making changes where necessary can help you identify and eliminate inefficiencies.
This will ensure that your processes are always evolving to meet the needs of your business and clients.
Conclusion
How process improvements help the trades is by ensuring they stay competitive and improve overall productivity.
By adopting technology, standardizing processes, improving communication, streamlining supply chain management, the trades can achieve better results and improve the quality of their work.
Providing training and development opportunities help ensure that employees who are a good fit are attracted and retained.,
Now that you better understand how process improvements can benefit the trades, the most important part is to now execute, which is here many fall short!
If are overwhelmed by the improvements that you need to make, we are here to help. To discuss your needs and get assistance with making these necessary improvements in a timely manner, CONTACT US today!
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References
Q3Edge (2020) Process Improvement – What is it?
MANTEC (2022) Focusing your business to improve productivity and quality
