streamline operations
/ˈstriːmlaɪn ˌɒpəˈreɪʃənz/
Meaning
This phrase means to make a business, organization, or department run more effectively and cost-efficiently. It often involves restructuring teams, automating tasks, or eliminating redundant roles and systems. It is commonly used by executives and managers during restructuring, budget cuts, or periods of growth.
Examples
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The merger will allow both companies to streamline operations and reduce overhead costs.
The merger will allow both companies to streamline operations and reduce overhead costs.
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To survive the economic downturn, the firm had to streamline operations across all departments.
To survive the economic downturn, the firm had to streamline operations across all departments.
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We are investing in automation tools to streamline operations and free up our team's time.
We are investing in automation tools to streamline operations and free up our team's time.
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Her main task as the new COO is to streamline operations and improve overall profitability.
Her main task as the new COO is to streamline operations and improve overall profitability.
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The consultants suggested several ways to streamline operations without laying off staff.
The consultants suggested several ways to streamline operations without laying off staff.
Common Mistakes
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✗ The company needs to make operations streamlined.
✓ The company needs to streamline operations.
While grammatically possible, using the passive or adjectival form is wordy. Using 'streamline' as an active verb is much stronger and more professional.
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✗ We should streamline our operation systems.
✓ We should streamline operations.
In business contexts, 'operations' is the standard plural noun used to describe the functioning of a business. Adding 'systems' is redundant here.
Related Expressions
Practice
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The new management team is looking for ways to ___ and cut down on waste.
💡 Make the company's daily business activities run smoother and cheaper.
Show answer
streamline operations
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By consolidating our warehouses, we were able to ___ and reduce shipping times.
💡 Make the organizational workflow more efficient.
Show answer
streamline operations