Create a Operations Manual

Creating operations manual is not as difficult as it sounds. It is an ongoing process. Your manual will grow and evolve. It as simple as buying a three ring binder, marking it Operations Manual and putting it somewhere where all the employees who need it can find it.

The operations manual should include all the key documents you or your employees use on a regular basis such as letterhead, contracts and material order forms. These documents do not need to be added all at one time. In the normal course of business you will likely discover new documents that you use less frequently but always have difficulty finding when the need arises; quarterly payroll form, monthly sales tax, annual insurance audit….. add them as you find them.

The operations manual should also include key information that no one ever can find such as the owner’s manual on the phone system, voice mail or other key systems or equipment.  Other things might include passwords, alarm codes, name and contact info on key repair people such as the copy machine.

The Operations Manual should be a place to collect all the information, policies and procedures that it takes to run your company. You can may have sections within the manual for different categories but do not let the form that the Operations manual will become stop you from starting it. Just begin collecting critical information and putting it in the book. Over time you will discover the right way to partition the data.

As you work through the various articles in this blog you will be making notes and developing policies and procedures and collecting critical information.  Add items to the manual as you create or discover them. Remember it is your company and your policies. You can adjust or change them as needed.

Get started and you will be amazed how quickly your Operations Manual grows.

All original content ©Thomas Robinson 2010