Desktop Review: what it is (and when to get one)
As businesses scale, operations become more complex, and the systems that once worked seamlessly may begin to show signs of strain.
This is where a desktop review becomes invaluable. Yet, despite its critical importance, many businesses overlook it until inefficiencies become too noticeable to ignore.
What is a desktop review?
A desktop review is a high-level, data-driven audit of your business’s operations that can be conducted remotely. Unlike traditional audits, which often require on-site evaluations, a desktop review leverages the data you already have within your systems, such as ERP files, financial records, and other operational data.
By analyzing this information, we can quickly identify inefficiencies, uncover hidden opportunities, and provide actionable insights — all without the need for a physical visit. (That said, we always encourage and welcome in-person collaboration, especially if we’re getting to know each other for the first time.)
The purpose of a desktop review is to offer a comprehensive snapshot of your business’s performance. We compile key data points and analyze them to identify patterns, bottlenecks, or discrepancies in your business’s functioning. The beauty of this process lies in its accessibility; businesses can easily share their data, and in return, they receive a structured and clear view of their operations.
What a desktop review isn’t
Desktop reviews serve as a strategic starting point to gain a deeper understanding of your business and identify its key pain points. It doesn’t dive into every detail of your organization; it serves as an immediate value creator by allowing us to evaluate your business from a fresh perspective, uncovering insights that often go unnoticed internally.
It’s an efficient and scalable way to start improving business processes, especially when time or resources for a full-scale audit are limited.
When to get a desktop review
How do you know if your business could benefit from a desktop review?
Often, the signs aren’t immediately obvious. Many companies are so entrenched in day-to-day operations that they don’t realize they’re operating in a blind spot. That’s where an external perspective can be eye-opening.
A desktop review provides a fresh, data-driven analysis of your business, offering a unique perspective on your operations that you may not have considered before.
The desktop review focuses on surface-level insights; it’s about delivering a “by the numbers” view of your business. This allows us to make immediate observations and provide actionable feedback that will most certainly have you saying, Hey, they really get it.
It’s a view that most businesses haven’t seen before — not because they haven’t looked, but because they’ve never had the data synthesized and presented in such a comprehensive and accessible way.
The goal is to present a concise and easily digestible snapshot of your business. However, the effectiveness of the review depends heavily on the quality and quantity of data you provide. Without a robust data source, the audit cannot reach its full potential.
Why desktop reviews matter
A desktop review starts with the big business levers. By pulling data directly from your ERP system, we begin to paint a picture of your business operations.
This process often sparks the first “wow” moments for business owners. We frequently hear sentiments like, I’ve never seen it laid out like this before.
But that’s only the beginning.
In many cases, we discover significant disconnects, particularly on the plant floor, that are only revealed through the desktop audit. These discoveries are often the first “ahas!” that lead to a deeper dive, sparking the desire for more detailed reviews and strategic recommendations.
What to expect during the desktop review process
A desktop review typically takes up to four weeks, although the timeline can vary depending on the complexity of your business.
It’s a remote process, where we work with the files you provide. Using these files, we begin the process of uncovering insights that matter.
At the end of the desktop review, we often identify areas where immediate improvements can be made.
The goal isn’t just to provide a list of issues but to help you yield tangible results. This might include freeing up resources, reducing costs, and ultimately driving efficiencies. The discoveries made during the desktop review can serve as a gateway to more in-depth assessments, such as an opportunities review.
The value of a desktop review
Even if your business has yet to experience significant growing pains, a desktop review is an investment that can pay dividends over time.
Whether you uncover immediate cost-saving opportunities or identify inefficiencies that need addressing, the insights gleaned from this review will pave the way for smarter, more informed decision-making.
In some ways, conducting this type of review is like going to the dentist: it might make you a little nervous (especially if you’ve let some time pass), but you’ll be better for it in the long run.
Ready to get started with your desktop review? We can help.