Up until now, we have all come to terms with the fact that Covid-19 is here to stay and the new normal has become normal. Yes, the United States and the United Kingdom have released vaccines but they are in the early stages of immunization stages. Although vaccines have and more are yet to get approved by the responsible bodies, those vaccines will take longer than you think to arrive in Kenya, Uganda, and the rest of Africa.

That said, we can’t wait for Covid to be gone to open shop. Instead, we have to open now as many businesses have opted to do. But how do you re-open your business in these strange persistent times?

1. Review your business plans/operations.

Look at all aspects and varieties of your business. Are you able to get straight answers for the following questions?

• How many staffing levels will you need?
• Are supplies available?
• Has the supply chain been disrupted, and are there alternatives?
• Are your products and services still in need? Do you need to change your target market and offering?
• What is your financial state? Would you opt for a bank loan? Consult with an advisor.

2. The new guidelines put in place.

• How will you incorporate them into your business?
• You may want to revise your business plans to incorporate new customer preferences, demands, values, and SOP’s.

3. Technology.

• Restaurants are using technology to minimize points of contact.
• The switch to automated systems was also catalyzed by the pandemic and at least these changes may be here to stay.
• Technology has enabled many businesses to function as normal during the pandemic.

4. Stuffing/Employees.

• How have your employees been working? Is it from the office or at home?
• Will the health guidelines allow all your employees back in the office?
• Are there likely to be fundamental design changes to allow social distancing?
• Expect to see changes in community, car-pooling, and ride-sharing, driven by lower density transport options.

5. Ensure infrastructure.

• To ensure the critical infrastructure and essential functions are maintained, organizations will increasingly rely upon employees near facilities and isolated from the population at large.
• This focuses on utilities, energy providers, and manufacturing.
• What housing plans do you have in place?
• Will your employees commute? Will they stay at the workplace?

6. Engagement with customers.

• Social media has made it quite easy especially for online businesses –letting your customers know whether your store is open or closed can go a long way with customers.
• Through social media and website, you keep customers engaged, promote trust, and able to communicate about new products.
• Does your business have a website?
• What FAQ on your website can prepare customers for what to expect from your business in terms of sanitization protocols, physical, distancing, capacity restrictions, and mask guidelines?
• What are your purchase and payment options?

Flaxem Systems provides Business software specific to every industry. We partner with 2 of the world’s leading business management software developers (Infor and Sage) to provide businesses in Uganda, Kenya, and other Sub-Saharan countries with business management and accounting software.

Are you wondering which business or accounting software is right for your Ugandan or Kenyan business, call +256414665846 (Uganda) or
+254202305051(Kenya) or email info@flaxem.com