Chapter IV · Systems / Automation
Systems & Documentation
When I do something the third time, I write it down so the fourth time is faster — and so it doesn’t have to be me.
- Operations
- Process design
- Automation
Concept to shelf — the kit development checklist · 6–12 weeks
- ConceptNeed, competitors, price point
- SourcingQuotes, samples, minimum orders
- FinancialsCost, $1/min labor, margin, owner approval
- PackagingLabels, instructions, design review
- OrderingTracking, inspection, receiving
- Assembly prepWorkspace, staff instructions
- Build & testTime the first 5–10 kits for real labor cost
- InventorySKU, POS, barcodes, tags
- LaunchDisplay, staff briefing, web listing
- ReviewSales, feedback, reorder decisions
Systems I wrote down so it doesn’t have to be me
Universal Event Setup System
One template for patio, classroom, or off-site events: a location selector, an e-commerce checklist three months out, marketing one month out, and a way to measure the result.
Fulfillment SOP
The complete daily-task document for shipping, receiving and inventory, written so any trained associate could run the role.
Class email generator
An AutoHotkey tool with a small interface that writes class confirmation and reminder emails, so dates, times and locations are never mistyped.
AHK Script Manager
A GUI for organizing, launching and tagging dozens of small automation scripts.
Guides for staff and customers
AutoHotkey taught me to think in automation. The tool is never really the point — the idea is.