Cost controls are primarily proactive measures established to keep costs in line with standards and allow the operation to maximize its profits. The sooner cost inefficiencies are discovered, the sooner financial damage can be corrected. Consequently, you must watch the little things like portion control, purchase prices, inventory levels, cash controls, employee schedules, linen costs, utilities, and supplies expenses. If you can catch the cost leaks when they are small, you can reduce potential losses before they become serious.
If you do not have a reporting system to detect the variances that you cannot see with your eyes…. or a way of measuring the long-term effects of those you can see…..costs may drift way out of line before you are able to do anything about them. If you are moved to respond only in a reactive manner, you are not in control of your operation.
