Business Operations
What information should every business document?
You don't need to document everything. Here's the operational information every business should have written down — regardless of size or industry.
You don't need a full quality-management system. But every business should have written documentation of these operational fundamentals.
Suppliers
Who provides what, who owns the relationship, and where the contract lives.
Contracts
All active agreements, with renewal dates and notice periods.
Renewals
A rolling view of what's coming up in the next 12 months.
Insurance
Every policy, its coverage, renewal date and broker contact.
IT & systems
Core software, access owners, backup process and recovery approach.
Premises
Lease details, landlord contact, facilities suppliers.
Compliance
Regulatory obligations, reporting deadlines, responsible person.
Financial operations
Bank accounts, payroll process, key financial suppliers.
Key processes
The recurring operational activities that keep the business running — with named owners.
People & knowledge
Handover documents for critical roles, plus backup owners for each operational area.
If that list feels overwhelming, start with the Business Operations Checklist and work through it a category at a time.