By Doug Rixmann • August 1, 2023

Staying on Top of "All the Little Things"

As a quick-service restaurant (QSR) operator, you know how frustrating it can be when those small yet crucial maintenance tasks slip through the cracks. From a faulty lightbulb to a leaky faucet, these seemingly insignificant issues can disrupt your operations and impact customer experience. You know that you have a great maintenance team and dedicated managers, but somehow, those small yet crucial tasks keep being forgotten about. You are confident that all of the emergencies and sale-stopping issues will be taken care of but need to find a better way to stay on top of all those "smaller, non-urgent" issues. If this resonates, below are a few suggestions that can help you stay on top of the little things.

  1. Streamline Communication: A work order system acts as a centralized hub for all maintenance requests and tasks. Instead of relying on scattered notes or verbal instructions, managers can quickly and easily submit work orders, specifying the issue, location, and priority level. This streamlined communication ensures that nothing gets lost in translation and enables your maintenance team to tackle tasks promptly and accurately.

  2. Prioritize and Assign Tasks: With a work order system, managers can prioritize maintenance tasks based on urgency and importance. By assigning due dates and setting clear expectations, everyone knows which tasks require immediate attention and which can be addressed later. This systematic approach eliminates confusion, helps manage workloads effectively, and ensures that no ball is dropped when it comes to addressing those little but significant issues.

  3. Track Progress and Accountability: One of the key benefits of a work order system is its ability to track the progress of each task. Managers can monitor the status of work orders, from submission to completion, ensuring that no task falls through the cracks. Additionally, the system allows for better accountability by assigning tasks to specific team members. This level of transparency ensures that responsibility is clear, and everyone understands their role in resolving maintenance issues promptly.

  4. Automated Reminders and Notifications: A work order system can send automated reminders and notifications to both managers and maintenance staff. These gentle nudges help keep everyone on track and ensure that no task is forgotten or overlooked. Whether it's a pending work order or an approaching deadline, these timely notifications empower your team to stay proactive and prevent any potential ball drops.

  5. Historical Data and Analysis: Another advantage of a work order system is the ability to gather and analyze historical data. By tracking the frequency and types of maintenance issues, you can identify recurring problems and implement proactive measures to prevent future occurrences. This data-driven approach enables your team to address root causes, optimize maintenance schedules, and ultimately reduce the number of ball drops over time.

Don't let those little things slip through the cracks any longer. By implementing a work order system, you can boost the efficiency of your maintenance team, eliminate ball drops, and ensure that no task goes unnoticed/ undocumented. Streamline communication, prioritize tasks, track progress, and leverage data analysis to revolutionize your maintenance workflow. 

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