I can engage flexibly depending on the specific issues being addressed. Common projects include:
Rapid Operations / IT Assessment
My deep background in operations and IT allows me to make rapid assessments of existing operations and areas of focus for improvement. I can do assessments in almost any time period required. I have seen many companies and can quickly identify opportunity areas from financial and operating assessments. In addition to manufacturing operations and ERP systems, I have deep experience evaluating broker-dealer banking systems based on the same principles I have proven in manufacturing companies.
Back Office Productivity Improvement
During the recent recession, many companies cut back dramatically in the direct labor but often were more conservative in supporting functions. As such, nearly every company I work with has substantial opportunities to improve productivity in back office and supporting areas. I have developed a specific approach to identify a reasonable number of actionable opportunities and to train up client teams to perform the work on an ongoing basis.
Demand Pull Operating Models
I have led several end to end transformations from build to forecast to built to demand operating models. These have included build to order, configure to order, and build to replenish strategies. I have a deep understanding of the changes required in traditional ERP/MRPs to support the changes and every process which must be modified along the way. In one case, I led to transformation of a $1.2B manufacturer to demand pull manufacturing with only one additional consultant. It is possible to conduct these with a lean external team.
Change Management
I have led 5 multi-year change programs which encompassed transformational change to processes, technology, and organizational structures. Having lived through these programs from strategy to realization, I can bring a wide variety of capabilities to support executives and teams engaged in these programs. Previous roles include advisory to executive sponsors and steering committees, external program reviews, and program management. I will bring perspectives which a major consulting firms either do not have or may be reluctant to provide.
Targeted Change Agent Development
Creating real change agents is a critical element of continuous improvement. Unfortunately, many of the Six Sigma type training programs get off track and fail to produce real change leaders. Building this kind of person does not happen in a classroom. It occurs by partnering with a deeply experienced professional who can work side by side with me me on real problems. There is plenty of teaching along the way, but it is far more effective and efficient that anything taught in a classroom. Nearly all of my engagements involve active knowledge transfer as part of the consulting process. This is omitted only in the most time constrained siutations.
Working Capital Improvement
I work closely with LeanDNA to provide inventory management solutions that support higher service levels with lower levels of inventory. More than static Excel analysis, the LeanDNA SaaS platform allows ongoing analysis of opportunities and prebuilt workflows to ensure that changes get made and realized. Look here for more.