Operations

 

An operation consulting is the process of assisting various types of businesses to assess the current status of internal procedures and strategies, and enhance the overall operation of the company. While operations consulting is often thought to focus on manufacturing plants or production facilities, the scope of operations consulting is actually broader than that. Even businesses that are service-based rather than product-based can benefit from operations consulting.

An operations consultant will normally begin the evaluation process by examining the workflow structure of the business. This begins with the structure and division of labor among the management of the company and moves on to the various divisions and departments and how they relate to one another in order to ultimately supply customers with goods or services. The idea is to understand how each component of the business currently impacts that process, directly or indirectly.

Once the consultant has a firm grasp on how things are done currently, as well as the reasons behind those procedures and organizational structures, he orshe can begin to offer advice on how to enhance various operational functions. This involves noting existing procedures and strategies that serve the interests of the company very well, while also noting areas where there is room for improvements that would enhance the already strong points of the operation. Often, this is one of the most difficult portions of the operations  consulting  process, as the client may resist some or all ofthe ideas presented by the consultant.


Six Sigma Approach

 

Six Sigma approach is based on a handful of basic principles, and these principles create the entire Six Sigma arrangement. Here are Six Sigma's fundamental principles:

  • Y = f(X) + å: All outcomes and results (the Y) are determined by inputs (the Xs) with some degree of uncertainty (å).
  • To change or improve results (the Y), you have to focus on the inputs (the Xs), modify them, and control them.
  • Variation is everywhere, and it degrades consistent, good performance. Your job is to find it and minimize it!
  • Valid measurements and data are required foundations for consistent, breakthrough improvement.
  • Only a critical few inputs have significant effect on the output. Concentrate on the critical few.

In order to help your operations improve we engage in the following

 

  • Using and applying a Six Sigma approach to identifying and resolving your operational bottlenecks.
  • We identify and suggest options to eliminate process waste and improve operational flexibility and agility.
  • We forecast required staffing, resources, space and equipment.
  • We evaluate return-on-investment for all recommendations.
  • We manage the design, procurement and implementation to ensure project goals are met within budget and schedule.



 

 

Our strength lies in our is ability to assess operational problems from several angles – Staffing and scheduling, process flow, work methods, quality and accuracy, management systems, equipment, facilities, economic return on investment, vendor relationships, and customer requirements. This combination of skills increases the avenues for operational improvement, and ensures that all bases are covered for a successful implementation.