Every task, regardless of how it is done, requires rules that define the scope, quality, and methods to be followed. Hence experts argue that if these rules are not standardised, it is nearly impossible to have visibility over whether people ensure quality and reduce human error. Fundamentally, standardisation is described as the establishment of a set of rules governing how people in an organisation are supposed to complete a given task or sequence of tasks. And for the most part, this can be applied to any process, any task or procedure that is relevant to the organisation. However, although there are many benefits of standardisation, the idea of subjecting processes and procedures to a uniform way of doing things may be a cause of alarm for most people. To some, concerns include boredom and loss of individual creativity among others. But when done correctly, putting standards in place can increase your bottom line by a surprising amount, writes Victoria Bailey. Here are some of the common effects of standardisation in a work place; Eliminating knowledge gaps Training depends almost entirely on standardisation in any successful company. According to Bailey, when there is only one correct way to train a new employee, all employees learn the same amount of information. “This reduces or eliminates knowledge gaps, creating a stronger work force,” she notes. Promotes productivity Standardisation promotes productivity by eliminating inefficiency. This is the result of eliminating ambiguity and providing quality control: tasks are completed in a more efficient manner, and, according to author Benjamin Brandall, there are few quality control issues from tasks that were not completed correctly prior to the process of standardising. Another benefit of eliminating alternative procedures, he adds, is the reduction of unhealthy competition and conflicts. “If everyone learns the same way of doing things and sticks to it, it will be easier for teams to work together. This means more productivity by virtue of synergy, and less time wasted trying to communicate across gaps in understanding and practice.” Brandall says. Customer service Every company that deals with the public has some employees who work better with customers than others. According to Bailey, relying on workers to carry out company policy and fulfil customers’ wishes is only possible when they are trained how to react in every situation. “When every customer is treated the same every time, it creates a sense of expectation and stability in customers. They will feel secure coming to your business repeatedly, because they know they won’t have to rely on the whims of untrained workers,” she adds. Maximising profits Standardisation is crucial in almost every business in order to maximise profits, experts say. It prevents waste when using raw materials, makes systematic inventory records possible, and cuts down on labour costs, notes Bailey. “Accurate bookkeeping is impossible without standard practices such as recording deposits and sales receipts, plus pilferage will be lower when you provide basic checks and balances that are followed on a regular basis.” Safety In addition, when safety standards are put into place, workplace accidents are likely to go down. This begins with training. All employees should be trained the same way to do their work in a safe manner. “Whether they are cooking food, using machinery or operating vehicles, the only way to keep workers safe is by training all of them on the same standardised protocols. Each employee will have the information he needs to correctly and safely perform his job, and you won’t run the risk of one trainer accidentally forgetting to cover a crucial part of the safety course.”
