Investing in Operations?

In recent weeks, I’ve been chatting with a few people in the industry about operations challenges they’ve tackled in the last year or so. Sure—money is tight all around. But some companies are carving out the budgetary space to explore efficiencies and add capabilities. From sales and marketing to scheduling to installation and service, window and door companies are still finding ways to save money or generate more business. 

What operational challenge have you invested the time and resources to overcome? Has working with a leaner staff encouraged you to look at ways to introduce efficiencies to your operations? Have you upgraded software or invested in new technology? Are you taking advantage of mobile devices in new ways? Maybe you've just found a better way of getting business done process-wise.  If so, please touch base to share. You can email me or post a comment to let me know what new steps you’ve taken in the last year or so, and how it seems to be serving your business so far.

Survey Results as of 05/15/2012 :

In the past year or so, we have invested in:

Poll results suggest many companies are still shy to invest. More than 60 percent indicated that they've made no operational improvements at their companies in the last year or so.

For those who are looking to invest in operational efficiencies, sometimes even small improvements can make a significant impact on the company's bottom line and customer satisfaction. Whether moving toward a paperless office or looking for ways to employ technology in the field, focusing on operational improvements can reduce mistakes and move a company toward operating like a well-oiled machine.

As the economy's improving health reaches deeper and deeper into the housing industry, I'd be willing to bet our poll results will shift. With a few extra dollars and an eye toward doing more business with fewer resources, operations will likely be a prime candidate for upgrades.

Contact Christina Lewellen, senior editor, at clewellen@glass.org.