Document & Manual Creation

Unclear or missing documentation can cause many problems in modern work environments. Here are some common business documents and the problems that could be addressed by implementing or revising these documents:

Manuals

• Work processes not being completed or being completed differently by each person.
• Varying production times or error reports for the same machine/project when different employees are working.
• Multiple calls to supporting departments (i.e. supervisors, maintenance crew, quality department) with commonly repeated problems or questions.
• Debates regarding the best processes or settings for a given project or machine.

Internal Forms

• Unclear project sign-off process. Steps or authorizations may be missed.
• Significant inconsistencies in the types or forms of information sent to staff or leadership through email, internal memos, reports, etc..

External Forms

• Communication to clients, vendors, or stakeholders varies significantly regarding information shared, communication recorded, and responses given.

Job Descriptions

• Employees are not completing required aspects of their job within the desired time frame.
• Employees feel they are being asked to do too much or “wear too many hats.”
• Certain jobs feel redundant.
• Certain needs within the business are not being met.

Style Guides

• External communication and marketing do not share similar tone, fonts, colors, or logos.
• Consistency in external communication is lacking.

Standardization & Storage Protocols

• Individual employees are creating and updating documents on their own, which causes redundancies.
• Documents are missing when needed for audits.
• Documents are created with significantly different layouts, branding, and purposes.

Employee Newsletter

• Employees in different departments or physical locations (including remote work) feel disconnected and unaware of business-wide changes.
• Employees find it hard to cooperate or reach out because they do not feel connected to their coworkers.
• Employees feel overwhelmed by an abundance of update emails and messages.

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Other important written documentation that may be needed includes: