In a good franchise business you have the opportunity to tap into tried and tested systems and processes. Access to these processes is provided through operations manuals as well as training programs provided by the franchisor.

Being part of a good franchising system will also give you access to the latest improvements in processes and systems, which is vital in maintaining efficiency and a competitive advantage.

According to Ian Krawitz, head of intelligence at market research business 10 Thousand Feet, the better franchise systems allow for sharing of best practice knowledge amongst franchisees through their franchise field support staff, who act as conduits for this information, as well as setting up meetings for franchisees to share ideas and utilising knowledge sharing tools like intranets.

Krawitz highlights three important questions to ask a franchisor to determine what you will learn and how up to date the systems and processes are:

1. Does the franchisor’s training program place a focus on small business management and financial management as well as the technical aspects of running the franchise business?

2. Is the operations manual consistently updated to keep up to date with the changing business environment?

3. Does the franchise system use the most up to date technological tools to help streamline processes?