FourZeroOne Feature Ideas...

Simplify - Streamline - Standardize

2010-02-24T14:29:00.001-05:00

Three simple thoughts about "Process Improvement." Every business has no shortage of processes for a myriad of tasks. Most of the time the processes are effective an up to date. Sometimes they're not. They become "traditions" by default.

When you ask about a traditional process and say; Why do we do that? or "Why do we do that this way?" and the answer is "Because," you have an opportunity to initiate as simple process improvement effort.

First review the description and expectations for the process. If it is complicated and convoluted you have an opportunity to take the first step: Simplification. Ask the people who actuely do the work for ways to simplify the task. Take small deliberate steps; giant leaps usually leave unexpected and unwanted surprise outcomes.

Second, develop methods to streamline the process. The streamlining step, using information from the simplification step, should help you see opportunities to reduce the number of actions required to complete the task. You could also find ways to reduce costs of materials, labor and inventory. A great resource for help will again be the people who do the work.

Now you can take the third step, standardize the process. Each time the task is done, it is done the same way. Since you have already simplified and streamlined the process you will have the opportunity to cross train your team. This will yield consistency, (high) quality, and the benefits of improved productivity.

Business is slow for many of us. We may feel the absolute highest priority initiatives are revenue generation and cost reduction; allowing us to stay in business. No argument here. In the background are the softer opportunities for process improvement with the potential for a great long term return on investment. You just need to know were to look, and we can help you with that.

Simplify, streamline, standardize with direct help from your employees, your team, the people who do the work, the experts. It doesn't cost much. Invest a little time and try a small task or piece of a bigger process to see how you can improve it and the benefits.

This is not a new concept, nor is it revolutionary. It is a simple suggestion and meant as a reminder, a way to encourage your creative side.

Good Luck, request a free packet if you would like to here more.

Building Blocks for Post Recession Recovery

2010-02-10T15:46:00.000-05:00

Thinking positively, we all want the recession to end and quickly. There are indications the economy is strengthening yet remains unpredictable. Regardless of the speed and depth of the recovery, this could be a great time to position your company for the future.

Most of us played with some type of toy building blocks, (or at least our parents told us we did). We learned if we pile all the bricks straight up, the result is an unstable tower. Or if we scatter the blocks all over the floor we have a random pattern of unrelated objects. At some point we probably wanted to build something with structure by aligning the bricks with a design giving us stability and predictable performance. The same stability and predictability you want for your business.

The FourZeroOne business development process foundation is based on the identification of the best integrated action plans specifically tailored to your business and your goals. If you need to; boost sales, reduce costs, improve quality, train your staff, improve efficiency, find new customers, brand development, web sites … we can help.

We work directly with our clients to develop workable plans based on available staff and funding. FourZeroOne also acts as an extension of your team, supplementing your efforts. Using the building block concept you can prioritize and choose the size and cost of the projects while ensuring your plans support your long term goals.

FourZeroOne believes collaborative consulting is effective not only when individual project goals are achieved but when our clients are positioned to enjoy ongoing success. That is why we stay with you through the entire process. We won’t leave you with a pile of bricks, mortar, trowel and an invoice. We are hands on support team, (and we will bring our own trowels).

We need to hear from you. Contact us for a free initial review of your business. A small investment of your time could go a long way.

Weathering the storm: Strategies to get your business through...

2010-02-04T16:17:00.000-05:00

Our economy seems to stay on an unpredictable and equally uncomfortable roller coaster ride. One segment improves and another struggles. There are no easy solutions for any business.

What actions should businesses take to survive and ultimately thrive? Cut costs? Reduce staff? Consolidate operations? Negotiate better prices and terms from suppliers, landlords? Increase employees’ payment share of benefit costs? Shorter day and/or work week? Done effectively any combination of these actions could help reduce costs short term but are inadequate for long term success.

Sales & Marketing should consider:
How do you position you business for the future? One of the key challenges is revenue growth. What will you do to get more business from existing customers?
How will you attract new customers or enter new markets? What type so product or service offering development do you need? How will you tell the market about you and your products and services? This is a short list of considerations for building sales?

Operations should consider:
A second major challenge is operations improvement. What enhanced existing or new technologies should you consider? How solid is your quality process? How efficient is your operation? How well are your employees trained? Cross trained? How safe are your operations?

Management should consider:
Probably the biggest challenge of all is who are we and where are we going? What are your expectations for the future? What plans, models and measurements do you have? How relevant is your business plan for the current and expected economic conditions? What will you do to get the message of who are, where you are, and you value proposition out? How will you involve your employees/staff?

Overall considerations:
Regardless of your company’s size it is imperative to know where you are, where you want to go and how you want to get there. Customers, employees and suppliers also need to clearly understand your plans, each from the appropriate perspective.

FourZeroOne will help you create a plan and measurements specifically designed to reflect your goals. Our goal is to support your efforts to weather the storm and take your business to the next level.