Business processes must be lean to be effective. Lean operations are faster, more responsive and more productive and the extra value added goes straight on the bottom line. It doesn’t matter whether the operations are manufacturing, administration, selling, research or capital assets - lean operations always generate extra business value.
Quest has disciplined methodologies for achieving lean operations. Our clients are seeking a business case with a minimum 3:1 return, usually in-year. To achieve this, we typically step through the following phases, working jointly with client teams to deliver fast results and to build internal capability:
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Assessment
We use proprietary analysis tools to discover the critical needs, quantify the opportunity and highlight the current gaps in performance. The comprehensive assessment is completed in a short timeframe, usually three or four weeks.
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Project design
The project is designed jointly to ensure strong ownership and starts with the development of the desired future state – the model for optimal performance – followed by workstream definitions, resource plans and team charters.
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Implementation
Because of the thorough preparatory phases, project execution is fast – often less than six months for a step-change improvement in a major business process or optimisation of a key asset. Workshops and training events are used to align and inform management teams and implementation teams are fully trained to lead the improvement solution.
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Audit and sustainability
On-going assessments keep the improvement drive on a fast track. Results are verified, new methods standardised and internal people developed to make changes irreversible. The lean operations methodology is also transferred to ensure sustained benefits.