The Business Processes / Operations Plan is an explanation of the “nuts and bolts” of the business. It’s the who, what, where and how of your product / service offering, with a description of the processes and systems in place to produce, store, deliver, and support the product or service offering. The topics covered in this plan will vary based on the kind of business, but will typically include some combination of the following:
- Firm Infrastructure / HR Breakdown / Management Hierarchy
- R & D / Technology Development Process
- Design Process
- Production / Manufacturing Process
- Value Chain Relationships (Procurement, Suppliers, Partnerships, etc.)
- Inbound / Outbound Logistics
- Inventory Process
- Distribution Process
- Customer Training and Product Support Process
- Customer Service Process / Policies
- Internal Controls
- Description of internal software systems in place
- Description of management systems in place (Sigma Six, etc.)
- Plan for ongoing improvement of operational efficiency
The Business Processes / Operations Plan is the place where the “rubber meets the road” with respect to all strategies presented throughout the Business Plan, but is most directly influenced by the Product / Technology Strategy.
VP of Strategy 