To remain focused on the goals of the business during the hurried pace of the business day can be a challenge. Much like a football team in the midst of key play, trying to look at the next part of the game strategy—it’s a tall order. To stay on target, create a game plan that covers the big picture, so you can focus on the "play of the day." Business controls are as important to the small office with two employees as they are to the small business with 200 employees.

A control system establishes specific policies and procedures for tasks to be handled on a planned basis. The system measure, controls and provides feedback to the owner about what is happening in various parts of the business. This system should be as simple as possible to provide information quickly, so the owner can make reasonable business decisions based upon current information. Avoid complicated procedures that lead to confusion, expenses and wasted staff time.

Controls place accountability within the business. Some employees may feel that controls are restrictions. However, the success of the company and the employees’ pay depends on the business success. The controls are not meant to be a trap, but rather a quick check to allow everyone to do the job right. A control system is objective and can provide a systematic and routine measure of performance on an ongoing basis. Trends and ongoing employee, manufacturing and service performance are vital to customer satisfaction and business success.

Getting employees to accept and follow the system is absolutely necessary. Take time to explain why controls are being put into place and the affect you expect a control system to have on the processes of your business. The focus is not on controlling employees, but rather on controlling processes and quality to the business is better for everyone. You need employee compliance with the new system and their understanding and acceptance is important in creating a reliable system.

Every business needs policies and procedures that place a measure of control in their processes. Product and service quality means customers and repeat customers. Business is gained because the company is using the most effective and efficient methods to accomplish tasks. You may develop guidelines and control systems yourself or bring in a team of employees to help define a system that is useful in their job success, as well as the company’s success. A control system should be a part of making the work smoother not more cumbersome.

If you would like to institute a control system in your business, contact the SCORE Association (Service Corps of Retired Executives). More than 12,000 volunteer, business counselors provide small business counseling mentoring to entrepreneurs. SCORE is a nonprofit volunteer service organization. All business counseling and mentoring is provided as a free and confidential service. To contact the SCORE chapter nearest you, call 1 (800) 634-0245.