Mapping Your Magic: Unpacking Systems with the FAST Technique
- Herman Veitch
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Welcome to Your System Design Hub!
You've identified problems and assessed your reality. Now, how do you meticulously design a system that consistently delivers exactly what you need? Simply listing steps isn't enough; you need to understand the logical relationships between them to ensure clarity and cut out waste. This week, we introduce the Functional Analysis System Technique (FAST) – a powerful visual tool for developing robust business systems.
Beyond the To-Do List: Why FAST Matters
Many growing businesses struggle with vague processes and hidden inefficiencies that hinder productivity. Informal systems mean guesswork and a reliance on individuals, not repeatable processes. FAST helps to eliminate this by graphically representing how functions relate to each other, allowing you to:
Ensure Clarity: Get everyone on the same page about what each function achieves.
Identify Unnecessary Steps: Spot redundancies that waste time and resources.
Uncover Missing Steps: Discover critical functions that are currently overlooked.
As quality guru W. Edwards Deming famously said, "If you can't describe what you are doing as a process, you don't know what you're doing." FAST gives you that description.
Your System Blueprint: The FAST Technique in Action
FAST diagrams use a simple, yet incredibly effective, logic:
Define Functions with Verb-Nouns: Every function is described precisely using an action verb and a noun. For example, instead of "painting," you'd say "Mark Surface," or "Process Payment," or "Onboard Client." This ensures clarity and measurability.
Ask "How" (to the right): To expand a function, ask "How is this function performed?" The answers become sub-functions to the right, detailing the execution.
Ask "Why" (to the left): To understand the purpose of a function, ask "Why is this function performed?" The answer is the higher-level function to its left, revealing its strategic importance.
Identify "When" (below/above): Some functions occur when another function is executed, or are supporting functions. These are often represented below or above the main flow, identifying crucial dependencies.
By applying this structured thinking, you transform complex operations into clear, logical flows. This makes it easier to optimise workflows, enhance profitability, and build systems that truly allow your business to run without your constant presence. It's a key strategy for the "Hands-On Strategists" who need clear guidance on creating effective processes.
Ready to Precisely Engineer Your Business Systems?
Don't let inefficiency lurk in undefined processes. By applying the FAST technique, you gain a crystal-clear understanding of your business functions, paving the way for streamlined operations and consistent, profitable growth.
Curious how robust systems can transform your business? Download our free decision-making tool today! It's your first step, a powerful "taster" that will help you pinpoint your current challenges and show you exactly how our comprehensive online course on building systems and processes can propel your business beyond the 5-year mark. Download it here.
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