Any business model functions in a chain of activities. Each job function or process is a link in a chain playing a critical role in adding value to the previous function. It, in turn, passes on value to the next function. If there is a weak link in your chain of operations, it will eventually break, causing your operation and customer experience to suffer.ekonglong furniture

Let’s use the purchase process as an example. Suppose a customer wishes to special-order a table. She reviews all the details with her salesperson who writes up a sales order. The sales order is given to the purchasing manager who keys in the PO and specifies a flat black finish. The merchandise arrives, the delivery is scheduled and delivered. When the customer sees her table, she is dismayed. She wanted gloss black finish and asks for a refund.

This is just one example of hundreds of breaks that occur in the chain of operations. If this business had a stronger link between the salesperson and the purchasing process, this kind of problem could have been avoided.

The diagram below represents various links in the chain of a retail furniture store operation. Each role must be completed perfectly before proceeding to the next link in the chain.