Hidden Profit Killer in Your Business: Inefficient Processes
By: Sharee Murphy, MBA (c)
In business, it’s rarely the obvious problems that cause the biggest losses — often, it’s the ones you’ve been “getting by” with for years. Inefficient processes quietly eat away at profit margins, and the longer they go unchecked, the more expensive they become.
Why Inefficient Processes Cost More Than You Think
Redundant steps, outdated tools, and manual workarounds create delays, errors, and wasted labor. The cost compounds over time — one extra hour per week for each of 10 employees adds up to 520 hours a year!
Real-Life Example: The Approval Loop That Wouldn’t End
A company required three separate approvals for every marketing campaign. By the time the sign-offs were complete, competitors had already launched. The team was working hard, but their process kept them behind.
The Principle: Streamline for Speed
Every task should have a clear purpose and path. Unnecessary steps aren’t a sign of thoroughness — they’re a sign of inefficiency.
Quick Audit You Can Run Today
Map each workflow start-to-finish.
Identify steps that add no value.
Automate or remove where possible.
Revisit the process quarterly.
Takeaway:
Streamlining isn’t about cutting corners — it’s about cutting waste.
***This article is part of our Hidden Profit Killer series — uncovering the subtle ways businesses lose money and how to stop it.***
Read the rest of the series:
Unclear Roles & Expectations
Inefficient Processes
Poor Communication
Underutilized Talent
Poor Inventory Management
Scope Creep
Ignoring Data
