Introducing Work Groups

Each day many similar job functions are being completed at multiple locations across all of the Clark Companies. For example, at each location sales people are taking orders from customers, products are being delivered by drivers and at multiple locations inventory is being purchased for the warehouses. Today, how these jobs get done can vary greatly from location to location. In the future, with the implementation of Project North Star, we will need to have the processes required to complete these functions to be as consistent as possible at all locations.

Because we are doing the same functions differently at each location it is very difficult for one individual to identify a process that will work for everyone. To overcome this problem we have established “Functional Work Groups”. These work groups have been put together to address a specific function that is being completed at multiple locations. Individuals that make up these groups are not necessarily managers or supervisors. They are individuals that have a working knowledge of how the particular function is being completed at their location today. The goal of the working group is to put together a standard operating procedure that will accommodate the needs of each company.

The role of the working group goes beyond identifying and documenting our current processes and procedures. It will also be the group that will make recommendations for improvements to our processes in the future. The members of each working group will act as our channel of communication and be our source for training others that need to learn how to get their work completed.

What in the world is a SOP

SOP is short for what is called a Standard Operating Procedure. It is a document that outlines the process and steps needed for getting your work done. With the implementation of our new finance and route accounting systems, now is an ideal time to look at our existing processes and get a true understand how we are getting things done.

Our company has been around for a long time. We have grown and have made acquisitions over the years and our processes have evolved. To understand many of our current processes you will need to talk to long-term employees. Through many years of experience they have gained the knowledge of “how things work” and know what needs to be done and when. Unfortunately, because most of this knowledge is only in the minds of individuals and is undocumented it cannot be easily shared with others.

Over the next several weeks we will be talking to many individuals and taking a close look at how work is getting completed at our company. We will be outlining our current processes, translating them into new processes, if necessary, and then writing SOP’s (Standard Operating Procedures). These SOP’s will outline how this work will get done when we begin using the new system.

Our goal is to have SOP’s for all of our processes and procedures using our new system. By having this documentation individuals and departments will be able to take ownership for their processes and will be able to provide you with better and more efficient training on how you will complete your job using the new system.

You know best! So don’t be surprised if you are asked about how you do your job today!