A deadline is not the hard part
Deadlines get the attention, but missing client information is what actually slows work down. A clear request process shows what is still outstanding.
Every practice knows its filing dates. The calendar is rarely the problem.
What actually slows work down is getting the right client information in time. Work stalls when:
- the client is unsure what is needed;
- requests are spread across inboxes and reminders; or
- missing items are only spotted close to the deadline.
The deadline is fixed, the information is not
A deadline arrives whether the work is ready or not. The variable part is the information gathering in front of it, and that is where the risk sits.
When requests go out from different inboxes, nobody has a single view of what has been asked for, what has arrived and what is still missing. The gap only becomes visible when somebody checks properly, which is often close to the deadline, when there is least time to fix it.
A clear request process changes the picture
A clear request process gives everyone a better view of the work still to do. Each client knows what is needed. The practice can see, at a glance, which cases are complete and which are waiting on something.
DutySharp keeps each client request, response and deadline in one secure place, so the outstanding items are visible before they become urgent.
Where does the friction sit in your process?
What creates the most friction in your information-gathering process?
If this sounds familiar, DutySharp is an invite-only hosted service for small UK accountancy practices. You can request access at https://dutysharp.co.uk/#request-access.