A business system is very complex. A needs analysis needs to understand this.

A systemic audit is a comprehensive and detailed procedure for evaluating and clarifying how business systems are working. It is like a photograph of a business.
It is designed to find leverage points for change – places where you get the most sustainable change for the least effort.

Without a systemic audit, you risk short-term fixes while the business performance steadily drops.
A systemic audit is a photograph of a business showing exactly how the systems are being produced and exactly what to do about them.

 

There are many systems inside a business and all need to work well together.

Some symptoms that show they are not working well would be:

• Procedures that everyone complains about, but no one changes.
• Two separate systems are operating – the way things should be done and the way things are actually done.
• A problem that you keep fixing and it keeps coming back.
• Communication problems between departments and/or key people
• Large fluctuations in cash flow
• Managers’ time spent on many urgent but not important issues.

HOW THE SYSTEMIC AUDIT WORKS

The audit has three parts:

• Interviews with key personnel.
• A comprehensive written report, complete with recommendations for further action.
• A meeting to discuss the next steps.

The objectives of the audit are:

To define and assess the present position by:

•   Identifying present strengths and weaknesses in the company.
• Providing an overview of the current structure.
• Pointing to areas of high performance.
• Identifying present constraints on best performance and how they may be addressed.
• Clarifying leadership and management issues.

To recommend future actions to improve results and overcome present limitations by:

• Distinguishing key leverage points for change.
• Recognizing areas where skills are needed and recommending
• Specific training and / or coaching.
• Clarifying the vision and direction in the future to achieve sustainable growth.

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