You might have heard the saying, “what gets measured, gets managed”.
This phrase has frequently been attributed to the management guru, Peter Drucker. It has long been interpreted as meaning that if there is a wish to improve something, it is important to be able to track its progress.
In the absence of such measurement, so the idea goes, it can be much more difficult to know whether a given thing is getting better or worse. As a consequence, it becomes a much harder task to identify any gaps that need to be tackled, and to put in place required adjustments.
Precision Can Be Particularly Vital in Engineering and Construction
Having said all the above, when a lot of us think about measurements in the business world, we aren’t necessarily put in mind of “management speak”, but instead of such fields as engineering, construction, and property development.
In other words, we’re talking about sectors where it really couldn’t be more important to “get the numbers right”, given the direct link between pinprick-accurate measurements and real-world efficiency, safety, and profitability.
3 Reasons Why Businesses Need to Be Accurate with Their Measurements
So, why are accurate measurements of critical importance for translating business ambitions into results? Here are a few of the reasons:
It Helps Businesses Keep Control Over Costs
In a world in which business decision-makers continue to voice concerns about spiralling costs across nearly every aspect of what they do, it could barely matter more to keep tight control over every penny and pound.
If, for instance, your business’s projects involve measuring the likes of concrete volumes, electrical loads, and wire lengths, you won’t want to end up spending on excess materials you don’t require.
Nor will it be desirable to underestimate the volumes of materials your business needs, given that having to order further stock or rework projects also brings unwanted additional expense.
It Helps Ensure Optimal Safety
Businesses should, of course, care deeply about safety for moral reasons related to the protection of their staff and visitors to their buildings or sites. However, there are also major legal and financial risks that can arise from any safety breaches caused by a failure to measure accurately.
This principle applies across a vast range of business fields. In manufacturing, for instance, accurate measurements are vital for ensuring products meet the safety standards set out by regulators (which are likely to pose heavy penalties for any violations).
Consider, too, construction and engineering; such structures as buildings and bridges need to be capable of withstanding certain loads and environmental stresses. So, if a miscalculation is made here, a catastrophic failure could occur.
Much the same can be said about the handling of electrical systems in a property. In the event of a miscalculated wire gauge or load capacity, a dangerous structural collapse or fire could happen. If such a failure does come to pass, it won’t do the given business’s legal and financial situation – or its reputation – any good at all.
It Enables Businesses to Use Their Time Efficiently
Another common saying in business is “time is money”. It is another reason why accurate measurements should be an uppermost priority.
After all, if workers can perform the right measurements quickly – perhaps making use of an essential length conversion tool or weight conversion calculator like those found online – they can ensure they meet project deadlines while delivering excellent outcomes.
With vital measurements having been made accurately, the business in question can avoid any hiccups or delays with their projects – and thereby avoid any contractual penalties.
Accuracy In Business Measurements Should Be Taken Utterly Seriously
From ensuring the best possible quality and performance from a particular project or product, right through to achieving regulatory compliance and establishing a competitive edge over industry rivals, there are so many reasons why accurate measurements are so important for business success.
Mastering this aspect of your business operations, then, could make the difference between your firm merely surviving and actively thriving, for years to come.