Standardization is essential to optimize costs and optimize processes, but what exactly is standardization? It could be defined as a process by which an activity is carried out in an established way by replicating a similar pattern in it. This has been one of the great strategies implemented by the large fast-food chains, which has allowed them to consolidate their business by having their dishes homogenized, so that the quality, presentation and taste of their products is the same everywhere.
How can I implement it being a small business?
Although it may be thought that this is only for large national franchises, it can be implemented in any business. Standardization will not only help minimize costs but also bring good financial results to the business. In order to standardize your restaurant, you must know it inside and out. Everything must be documented. You must calculate, estimate and record functions, operations and exact quantities of the supplies you need for the operation, document the preparation of your products, from production to the final dish, everything. It is important that you value and review each step of your business, because this will help make sure you can deliver a standardized experience continuously.
Ok, so where do you begin? You have to analyze all the key activities, who is in charge of them, how they are executed and how to improve them. This will help you collect the unique business information and turn it into a guide to standardize each activity. It is important to find a balance between the optimization of processes and the staff’s productivity. In order to have a properly functioning business we must remember to have employees who feel like they belong and are happy to be part of the team. You must be understanding and patient as your staff learns and values the importance of following the guidelines, delivery conditions, time parameters and quality standards. Your staff values must be aligned with those of the organization.
By having all the processes identified and documented, it is important that staff is properly trained. You must set minimum and maximum parameters so that the process becomes part of their routine. These routines then need to be constantly monitored by setting structures in place. Oversight and supervision will facilitate analyzing which team members adopt it faster and who requires more personal follow-up.
What benefits could my business have?
Set production times to process your food.
Identify duplicate processes, which will make meal preparation more efficient.
Optimize your business resources.
Position your brand.
Ensure the same quantity and quality in your menu.
Project production costs.
Reduce costs by improving economies of scale.
Streamline your staff training.
Simplify compliance with all regulations, protocols and legislation.
Control waste management.
Ready to standardize your restaurant? The development of manuals is essential to communicate and train your staff, to expand for future locations, to ensure the business is self-sustaining and can survive any leadership. If you do not know how to begin and develop these manuals, we can support you in this process. Reach out to us for a complimentary meeting.
Comments