Itsm – Identifying Core Business Processes Is The First Step Toward Customer Satisfaction

In todays business environment, organisations know that to be competitive, they need to respond to change, especially as customer expectations increase. Customers are more demanding, mobile and informed than ever. Global and distributed organisations need consistency in the quality and levels of service regardless of where and how they conduct business.

It is extremely difficult to meet these challenges in a timely manner if business IT processes are widely dispersed, silo-based and inconsistent. Consistent core IT business processes, language and data representation is essential to allow decision makers to respond quickly to the changing market.

Defining and maintaining consistent IT business processes is a lot easier said than done but critical if an organisation is to survive in todays market. This article will define core business processes and explain how to differentiate these processes from their implementation. It will also review how to prioritise which processes to investigate first.

Defining the core business processes
A “core” business process is defined as the minimum individual tasks to be accomplished to provide a certain level of consistency in output, without any consideration to hardware, software, people resource or performance.

When a core process is implemented, anything can be added to make the process more efficient, but nothing should be eliminated. When the core business process states that certain tasks must be performed in sequence, then it must be reflected in the implementation. In the same manner, any specified steps associated with a task must also be reflected within the implementation.

When asked, most organisations will claim that their core business processes are documented. Yet, typically, it is not the core business process that has been documented but the implementation of that process within a particular system or function. In this scenario, the documentation contains system or application process models reflecting implementation details such as “enter username.” Most times, documentation of a core business process doesnt reflect whether a user is identified by a username, badge number, ID-card, or some other method of authentication, as long as the organisation is satisfied with the accuracy of the documentation. Identifying and authenticating a user is an implementation issue, not a business process.

Its not easy to separate implementation from the core business process. Just take one business process and see how readily you can identify the major tasks involved without letting implementation issues creep into the mix.
And it only gets more difficult when core business processes become more intricate and critical within the enterprise.

Using the right process methodology
The methodology and approach used to identify, derive, or create core business processes will vary with an enterprises size, industry and culture.

There are several proven methodologies and supporting tools for deriving and improving business IT processes (e.g. ITIL and ISO/IEC20000).

Your first steps
1. Investigate and remove hurdles relating to organisational cultural issues, governance processes, and supporting infrastructure up front.
2. Educate participants on what a core business process is, how it will benefit their respective business area, and the chosen methodology that will be used to derive these processes.
3. Dont try and do all of the critical business processes at once. Suggest a phased approach with a sound transition strategy.

Once youve identified core business processes, its important to prioritise which ones to tackle first. A new
business channel or service is a good place to start, as business analysis and requirements gathering have likely already been done, which should provide a good jumping-off point for identifying core processes.
Next, tackle any business process areas featuring disparate results between business units. Then, look at processes for which new enabling technology is being considered. Rounding out the list are those processes supported by different implementation and those supported by more than one location or business.

Process empowerment
It is import that all parties involved in executing the process clearly understand that it is the process that should be empowered, and should not be confused with the organisational function and position performing it. For example the Service Desk working on a major payroll incident, which requires immediate response and resource from the development team.

Process review
Your core processes should be a living entity, it is therefore essential to regularly review the performance of your process and adjust as business demands change. (Refer to the Quality management process review flowchart).

Its never too late to start
If enterprises are to remain competitive; they need to reduce the complexities resulting from widely dispersed and often disparate business processes. Establishing consistent empowered core business processes is just one step toward meeting increasing customer expectations in today’s market.

The Different Types Of Printing Services Business Can Make Use Of

You operate a business enterprise and you want to increase the exposure of the business, strengthen the customer base and increase the companies sales revenue. Or you have started a new business and would like to promote your product or service. Irrespective of how good the product or business is, you can not expect the customers to automatically notice your company or perhaps your services and come running to you. For that, you should set up promotion campaigns for your business venture. You need to create best impressions of your company amongst customers.

Without effective marketing, your potential prospects may never be aware about your products or offerings and your company may not be provided the chance to progress and succeed. So you have to apply right marketing techniques to gain recognition and success. Among numerous marketing and advertising activities, printing services is very cost-efficient and plays a substantial role in business promotion.

From business cards, brochures, envelopes, pamphlets, banners, invitations, calendars, stickers to office letter head everything involves printing in one form or the other. Even in todays digitized world, nobody can deny the importance and effect of printed promotional items in attracting customers and increasing sales for a product. Listed here are some of the printing services that a business can benefit from.

Business Card Printing

Business cards are the cheapest as well as the most effective promotion tools for any kind of business. All these cards carry your important contact information and therefore act as an excellent way to market your business. They provide a great number of possibilities to hand them to new prospective customers and give endless ways to get the word out about your business. A top notch of printing and professional looking business card plays a huge role in making a good impression on your prospective clients. That’s why you should take the time to select the right design and printing company who could aid you come up with interesting creations for your investment.

Brochure Printing

Marketing brochures is among the most versatile tool that you can use to tell consumers about your products or services. For example, retail shops get plenty of customer traffic regularly through brochures with product information. Banks put brochures of their financial products in the entrance hall where customers pickup to review while waiting for their service. When compared to other print out items, brochures offer much more room to include all important information about your product or service. Also, they’re extremely effective when you launch something new. In particular, graphics and striking messages on it will take your business to new heights.

Postcard Printing

Post cards are used by companies as part of direct mail marketing campaign where it is typically mailed directly to consumers and prospective clients without envelopes or stamps. Various online printing services offer free templates to pick your design and various finishing options which enables to create a more stylish and vibrant postcard related to your company. You must make use of high-quality prints on post cards as it can strengthen the matter that your company is committed to quality work. A right design and structure of a postcard can make a positive impression on the targeted market.

Pamphlets

Flyers are powerful and time-tested approach to cost-effective marketing for small to mid-size company. Eye-catching pamphlets hold the large potential to generate instant responses and promptly boost sales. Flyers deliver messages to customers in most effective way and cost much less to the entrepreneurs. For best results, always print flyers on a glossy paper and utilize lot of colorings.

Calendar Printing

A personalized calendar is yet another tool for effective marketing and once a year, tens of thousands of companies use this method to market their business. People view calendars very often so when your organization information, products or services are clearly noticeable on the calendar, customers will get constantly reminded and create a positive psychological impact about your company or brand name. All you need to do is to pick a suitable style of calendar, incorporate your company slogan, logo and contact details right into a visually attractive calendar design that people would want to display inside their home.

Letterhead Printing

Letterheads are important tools of marketing where they are utilized for correspondence with valued clients, suppliers, current customers, prospective buyers, banking institutions, etc. Letterheads really should be truly impressive as it could very easily make a excellent impact in the commercial circle and in the client community. Your letterhead must separate your company from your competing organizations. You company logo have to be added to the right part of the letterhead and in the right size. Online printing companies make the procedure easy for you, since at just a click of a button you can make personalized letterheads promptly.

Utilizing these different kinds of printing services will help boosting your business in several ways and takes it one step further. Keep in mind, the core of any business venture success lies in marketing and advertising. Every corporate business depends upon the right impressions. The quality and branding of the organization relies on the stationery being utilized and hence every brochure, business card, flyers, letterhead and anything that is printed increase the value of the brand being created. If you want immediate success in your business, you must opt for professional printing practices. The attractiveness and information the printed material carries is critical to build lasting relationships with your end customers and clients.

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The Benefits Of Leasing A Printer For Your Business Instead Of Buying One

While increasing amounts of work are being done on computers and via email, the idea of the ‘paperless office’ has still not come to pass. All businesses need a printer as an essential part of their IT infrastructure, but a surprising number of businesses have not yet realised the benefits that leasing a printer can bring. Indeed, many small and medium enterprises are not even aware that leasing a printer is an option. So, what are the benefits of leasing a printer for businesses?

1) Reduced Capital Expenditure

The purchase of a new printer outright requires the spending of a significant sum of money – money that has to come from somewhere. It is either liquid cash that is no longer available for running costs or other purchases or requires a line of credit that could better be used for other requirements. Both of these options could be better used in other aspects of the business.

2) Enhanced Budget

A leasing option is in essence a one stop shop for a business’s printing needs. The business simply pays an agreed monthly fee for its printing infrastructure needs, allowing the cost to be spread out across the budget, with maintenance and replacement fees included in the price. This has important connotations for the next benefit.

3) No Surprise Expenditure

When a business owns its own printer it is responsible for repairing or replacing the printer should it wear out or malfunction. With a leasing option, these costs are covered in the price of the lease. A leasing option avoids a budget crunch when a printer needs to be replaced and removes the need to keep money in an emergency fund for printer expenses.

4) No Maintenance Worries

Money is not the only consideration – the time of a business and its employees is also valuable. Rather than having to organise printer replacement, maintenance or repairs themselves, a business with a leased printer can leave these activities to the leasing company, freeing up employee time for the core aspects of the business.

5) Avoidance of Obsolescence

Capital expenditure on a printer is basically a money-sink. IT infrastructure is constantly developing and hence a printer depreciates at a rapid pace. These factors reduce the benefit of having such an ‘asset’ on the company’s balance sheet.

6) Easy Upgrading

Should a business’s printing requirements change then those that own their own printers will need to write off their old hardware and make a new purchase. With a leasing option the business avoids such costly capital expenditure as they can simply renegotiate their lease with the supplying company. This is equally valuable in the case where printing requirements decrease, allowing the business to decrease the cost of their monthly lease without needing to purchase a whole new printer. This benefit is particularly advantageous to new or rapidly-growing businesses who may have quickly-changing requirements.

7) Removal of Disposal Worries

The responsibilities and worries associated with your IT infrastructure do not end when the printer has reached the end of its life. As with all IT hardware, the disposal of printers is covered by a plethora of rules and regulations. With a leasing option, this responsibility and its associated costs is removed from the business.

8) Increased Flexibility

With so many rapid and game-changing developments in printing technology and business practices occurring on a daily basis businesses need to be able to be flexible in their IT infrastructure. A printer lease increases this flexibility by requiring only a change in the lease rather than the purchase of new hardware by the company.

Innovative Business Card Printing Ideas

As the name implies, business cards are usually used for business purposes. These business cards usually possess a business or individual information that is why they play a very vital role especially in formal introductions. Sharing these business cards especially during formal introductions is a matter of convenience. The format of a standard business card typically includes the business name, contact information and the logo of the business.

In todays modern world, technology has come a long way compared to the past years. Do you still prefer to use letters? Because nowadays email is more convenient. Do you still want to go to the banks? Now you have the option of internet banking. You need not go to the bank personally. Do you still prefer to send out your business cards for networking? The most probably answer would be yes since business cards are very vital when it comes to networking, however, you do not want to use the business cards in the traditional form.

These days, where most people are so much conscious about their status and reputation, no one would want to let his status be jeopardized just because of using a traditional business card. Therefore, the idea of a customized or modernized business card is always challenging.

1. Plastic business cards. Plastic business cards can help distinguish your card from all other cards in the market. There are two types of plastic business cards, the transparent and the translucent types. There is a bit of difference between these two types. The transparent plastic business cards can always be printed with one color on one side only while the translucent or sometimes called as the solid plastic business card can be printed on both side with the use of multicolor. Compared to all other business cards, a transparent business card has a square corner while the solid or the translucent one has round corners. And because these types of card are durable, water resistant and very good looking, a plastic card is now widely used by most business card holders in the market.

2. Matte finished business cards. This type of business card usually has a smooth, non glossy look and appearance and also looks graceful. This type of card is typically applied with an aqueous coating after the printing process, which makes the card smoother than the normal printing after the matte finish.

3. Ultraviolet or UV coated business cards. UV coated business card are considered as one of the most preferred types of modern business cards especially when it comes to modern cards. The main reason for this is that they speed up the process of printing and also have a longer life than the traditional cards. These types of business cards can also be colored on each side depending upon your taste and preference.

4 Last but not the least is the silk laminated business cards. As the name implies, this type of card is usually laminated with a special type of high grade material on both sides that provides a silky look and feel to the business card templates. When a card is silk laminated, a rich and thick effect is created that make the card look silky and feel smooth. This type of business card is usually waterproof, reliable, durable, and also looks very expensive.