Affärsdrift

Affärsdrift is a Swedish term that refers to the ongoing, day-to-day activities through which a company creates, delivers and captures value. It encompasses the core business processes that generate revenue: procurement and production, logistics, sales, marketing, customer service, and after-sales support, as well as supporting functions such as human resources and IT that directly enable operations. The aim of affärsdrift is to maximize value by delivering products and services efficiently, at quality standards, and within cost targets, while meeting legal and ethical requirements.

In accounting and corporate reporting, affärsdrift is often distinguished from financial drift or financing activities and from investment activities. The profitability and cash flow from affärsdrift are used to assess operating performance, whereas financing decisions affect balance sheet structure and investment activities impact asset base.

Key tasks within affärsdrift include process design and optimization (for example lean production or service design), capacity planning, procurement, production and service delivery management, quality assurance, supply chain management, and customer relationships. It requires cross-functional coordination across departments and alignment with strategy.

Performance is typically measured with operating margin, gross margin, operating cash flow, productivity, service levels, and customer satisfaction. Non-financial indicators such as cycle time, defect rate, and safety metrics are also important.

Effective affärsdrift depends on governance, risk management, internal controls, and continuous improvement culture. Digital tools, data analytics, and automation can enhance visibility and decision-making in daily operations.