Business Assessments

Running a successful enterprise isn't a set and forget situation.  A manager needs to constantly assess the business and use that assessment to modify and adjust as necessary.  Below are two business checklists I've written to help in such circumstances.  One is for an on farm enterprise, the other an off farm enterprise.  They share similarities with some differences to suit each. 

Farm Enterprise Assessment Checklist

Staffing, induction, OHS, welfare, work/life balance

• Have all new staff been inducted and given OHS training?
• Are all staff using PPE
• How many serious injuries occurred?  What are they? What Season? Under what circumstances?
• How many near misses or minor injuries have occurred?  What season, what place, what circumstance?
• How many staff are employed ?  What seasons? Hours worked?
• What concerns did staff raise re: work life balance?
• What is the balance of the workforce?  Senior/experienced, long term (10+), mid term (5+) junior (0-2 yrs), part time and casual

Financial

• Seasonal wages, hours worked
• Feed / fertilizer
• Seedlings
• Irrigation
• Pest management, disease, environmental damage costs
• Plant equipment
• Machinery maintenence
• Rates, mortgage, utilities

Tools / machinery

• Do major items need maintenence / replacing?
• Can better maintenence improve lifespan or performance?
• Is there a better, more cost effective tool available? Is it viable to invest?
• Have the current tools / machinery paid for themselves?
• Are employees trained in and monitored in the correct use, cleaning and storage of equipment?

Sustainability and Diversification

• What sustainability practices occur? What are the results? Can they be improved?
• What financial / tangible benefits are there as a result of the practices? Are they worthwhile?
• What other sustainable measures can be employed to enhance the business?
• What other crops / livestock could be taken on?
• What other ventures could be introduced to the current business model?
• What value adding could occur?
• Are there any waste products that could be repurposed/recycled for use or sale?

Crop / livestock yield and health

• What diseases / pests have affected health / yield?  What measures are being taken to contain / manage these issues?
• Is there a relationship between environment/weather that affects yield/health?  Are there seasonal issues that could be combatted?
• Are there more economical products that produce better yield and are more suited to the environment?
• What considerations are being made in relation to companion planting or plants that enhance the lifestyle of the livestock?

Product / stock

• What products sell best? Are there alternatives or related products that are worth stocking?
• Are there products that could be removed from sale?
• Are there products that could benefit from more promotion / marketing?
• Are staff familiar with all products? Can they promote the produce more effectively?
• Do staff require further training in relation to the products sold?​

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​Off Farm Enterprise Assessment Checklist

Staffing, induction, OHS, welfare, work/life balance

• Have all new staff been inducted and given OHS training?
• Are all staff using PPE
• Are staff regularly updated in manual handling, fire and first aid?
• How many serious injuries occurred?  What are they? What Season? Under what circumstances?
• How many near misses or minor injuries have occurred?  what circumstance?
• How many staff are employed ?  Hours worked?
• What concerns did staff raise re: work life balance?
• What is the balance of the workforce?  Senior/experienced, long term (10+), mid term (5+) junior (0-2 yrs), part time and casual
• Do staff feel supported and feel they have an avenue to raise concerns?

Financial

• Wages
• Product stock
• Plant equipment
• Machinery maintenence
• Rates, mortgage, utilities, insurances, cleaning, consumables
• Transport
• Packaging

Tools / machinery

• Do items need maintenence / replacing?
• Can better maintenence improve lifespan or performance?
• Is there a better, more cost effective tool available? Is it viable to invest?
• Have the current tools / machinery paid for themselves?
• Are employees trained in and monitored in the correct use, cleaning and storage of equipment?
• What tools/machinery currently sits idle?

Environment

• What recycling/sustainability practices occur? Can they be improved?
• What financial / tangible benefits are there as a result of the practices? Are they worthwhile? Can they be used to promote the ‘green’ approach of the business?
• Are all cleaning products environmentally friendly?
• Can old equipment be replaced with more environmentally friendly items
• Are there any items that could be improved in regard to energy consumption?
• Are there any waste products that could be repurposed/recycled for use or sale?

Product / stock

• What products sell best? Are there alternatives or related products that are worth stocking?
• Are there products that could be removed from sale?
• Are there products that could benefit from more promotion / marketing?
• Are staff familiar with all products? Can they promote the produce more effectively?
• Do staff require further training in relation to the products sold?
• Are the products stored correctly?
• Are the products displayed in a manner that improves their sale?
• Do customers find it easy to locate products
• Are staff able to point customers to avenues of further information about the products
• Can any improvements be made to the transportation/delivery and packaging of products?

Web presence / social media

• Are products marketed via the internet?
• Is the website user friendly? What improvements can be made?
• Can consumers expect fast responses to enquiries?
• Are social media posts edited and vetted?

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