{"ok":true,"canonical_url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/operations-management","api_url":"https://dealroom.so/api/public/glossary/operations-management","data_freshness":{"sba_records_through":"2026-05-31","fdic_records_through":"2026-03-31","dealroom_last_updated":"2026-06-15","timezone":"America/Chicago"},"source_summary":["Public SBA 7(a) loan records","FDIC institution data","DealRoom lender and franchise enrichment"],"term":{"slug":"operations-management","term":"Operations management","group":"Reading the business","definition":"The daily activities and processes involved in running a business to produce goods or services efficiently. Understanding current operations is key to identifying areas for improvement or risk.","what_it_means":"During operational due diligence, you'll scrutinize the business's systems, workflows, supply chain, and customer service. Your goal is to identify efficiencies, bottlenecks, and potential areas for post-acquisition growth or cost savings. This directly impacts your future profitability.","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/operations-management","official_sources":[],"related":[{"slug":"operational-due-diligence","term":"Operational due diligence","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/operational-due-diligence"},{"slug":"business-plan","term":"Business plan","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/business-plan"},{"slug":"cash-flow","term":"Cash flow","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/cash-flow"},{"slug":"financial-projections","term":"Financial projections","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/financial-projections"}],"related_questions":[{"question":"Can an SBA 7(a) loan be used to expand my existing business operations?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/can-an-sba-7-a-loan-be-used-to-expand-my-existing-business-operations"},{"question":"Can I use an SBA 7(a) loan to expand my current business operations?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/can-i-use-an-sba-7-a-loan-to-expand-my-current-business-operations"},{"question":"Can an SBA 7(a) loan help me buy a building for my business operations?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/can-an-sba-7-a-loan-help-me-buy-a-building-for-my-business-operations"},{"question":"Can a non-profit organization apply for an SBA 7(a) loan for their operations?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/can-a-non-profit-organization-apply-for-an-sba-7-a-loan-for-their-operations"},{"question":"Can I use an SBA 7(a) loan to buy land for my business operations?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/can-i-use-an-sba-7-a-loan-to-buy-land-for-my-business-operations"},{"question":"What if I plan to make significant changes to the acquired business's operations post-closing?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-7a/questions/what-if-i-plan-to-make-significant-changes-to-the-acquired-business-s-operations-post-clos"}]},"caveats":["Definitions represent DealRoom's plain-English interpretation for buyers; verify regulatory terms against the official SBA and eCFR sources listed.","Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an SBA eligibility determination."],"citation":{"label":"DealRoom.so Glossary — Operations management","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/operations-management","source_type":"DealRoom Data"}}