6 Steps For An Error-Free Business Process

1. Eliminate error factors

Redesign processes and procedures where errors have occurred. Workflows should be reviewed to find areas that are weak or outdated to reduce potential errors. However total error elimination might not ever be achieved in business. Above all, the important thing is error elimination and error reduction should be a goal.

2. Replace one process or procedure with another

This action involves substituting a process or procedure with a more reliable one. Using new and improved equipment allows technology to achieve more reliable results instead of simply relying on human intervention. A passive approach to processes and procedures is to keep the status quo; a proactive approach—substituting one process or procedure with another—leads to error reductions.

3. Practice prevention

By eliminating or reducing potential errors, “negatives” can be turned into “positives.” For example, safety guards on machines can prevent employee injuries; online forms can have field limiters and checks to ensure accurate data input; computer programs need confirmation before an item is deleted. Businesses need to implement practice prevention. It produces positive outcomes as it prevents costly accidents, increase accuracy and accountability, and improves operational efficiencies.

4. Simplify to improve

Facilitation helps make it easier to not make mistakes. In other words, People love simplicity over complexity; the easier a task, the better it will be understood. An example of avoiding confusion in an office might be to color code forms—print expedited requests on red paper so they don’t get lost with other documents. Data entry can be simplified by using “check-the-box” choices and on-form instructions. In conclusion, There is no need to make something difficult if it can be made easier.

5. Detect first

Detection warns of possible impending problems. For example, parking garages have entrance and exit signs, as well as height warnings; road signs warn of impending danger. Advance preparation through the use of various detection measures can help reduce errors from even happening in the first place.

6. Mitigate adverse effects

Mitigation alleviates the effects of something going wrong. For example, One business might have an automatic shut-off switch for electricity, water, or a specialized piece of machinery. And also, another business might have a computer lockout after a number of incorrect password attempts. Although everything can be done in a business to prevent errors, mitigating the effects of operational failure is important when an error does occur. Forward-thinking rather than emergency fixes is a prudent business philosophy.

Credits: All Business