To make the equipment hiring process more efficient, we can apply two business process improvement best practices: 1. **Automation of Availability Checks:** - **Heuristic:** Leverage technology to automate the availability checks at the company depot and with suppliers. - **Explanation:** Instead of relying solely on manual checks by the clerk, implementing an automated system that integrates with the company's inventory database and supplier information system can significantly speed up the availability verification process. This can reduce the time it takes to identify suitable equipment, minimize errors, and allow for real-time updates on equipment availability. Automation helps streamline repetitive tasks, enhances accuracy, and accelerates decision-making. 2. **Implementing a Workflow Management System:** - **Heuristic:** Introduce a workflow management system to streamline the approval process and coordination between the clerk and the works engineer. - **Explanation:** A workflow management system can automate the routing of approval requests to the works engineer. Instead of waiting for a daily approval, the system can route requests as soon as they are recommended by the clerk. This reduces delays, enables faster decision-making, and ensures that the works engineer can address requests in a timely manner. Workflow management systems provide visibility into the status of requests, allow for