The “Process”
Nick Saban, University of Alabama head football coach has won 6 National Championships and is famous for saying “it’s all about the process”. He coaches his players to focus on the present instead of past events or future outcomes. Move the focus away from the result and focus on controlling all of the variables that determine the outcome. It’s a simple but profound way of breaking down a difficult situation into manageable pieces then perfecting those pieces, which will lead to outstanding results. GAWICH believes in this strategy and what follows is our “process”.
Step I – Greet, Meet, and Hit the Feet
Consulting is a relationship business. We are asking you to trust your business and your funds to us. Therefore we have to be comfortable with each other before any relationship can be established. In Step I, we’ll “greet” each other and spend a small amount of time learning about each other and establishing the basis for a relationship. Then we’ll “meet” to learn the basics about the business, issues, desires and goals. And then we’ll “hit the feet” and go walkabout to observe and learn the existing layout, processes, limitations, bottlenecks, and culture. At the end of the day(s) we should be comfortable with each other and have enough understanding to proceed to Step II.
Step II – Proposal for Consulting Services
We will begin with a short recap of what we learned in Step I, list the problems (opportunities) uncovered, identify the ultimate goal for the project, and provide some potential solutions. We will define what services we will provide, the amount of time we expect it will take to complete the project, and what the services will cost. Finally, we will establish responsibilities defining what each party will provide. Following delivery of the Proposal, there may be some discussion either adding or deleting items in the proposal and how these changes affect the pricing. The ultimate result of this Step is the signing of a contract and setting the timetable and expectations.
Step III – Data Gathering and Analysis
The Proposal has defined the Scope of Work, and the Scope of Work defines what data is required. It almost always involves inventory analysis (sales, turns, stocking locations and unit of measure, cube and weight, etc.), pick methods, replenishment operations, receiving, shipping, route loading, etc. An understanding of support systems (software, hardware, scanners, and controls) is necessary. And if reengineering the existing layout is involved, then a base AutoCAD drawing of the existing facility will be developed showing all fixtures, openings, obstructions, lighting, sprinklers, etc. which will form the basis for any proposed changes to the existing layout. Once all necessary data is gathered it will be analyzed to determine how best to implement changes to meet the ultimate goal.
Step IV – Potential Options
Usually there are more ways than one to reach a goal. We will develop several options that allow you to achieve the desired results. The reason we like to give you options is that you may have reasons to avoid certain technologies or equipment unknown to us or have other business strategies that may be effected by one option or another. This will allow for discussion with your entire workforce to provide feedback, which often leads to the best solutions. Costs estimates will also be provided to allow you to determine the potential ROI on any given option.
Step V – Finalize the Plan
Once the decision is made, we will validate the data analysis to ensure a successful project. As part of this step we may write RFP’s for the purchasing of equipment and installation services, evaluate those proposals, and make recommendations on which vendor/products to purchase. During this phase we will also develop an Implementation Plan. This plan will serve as a guide to get you from where you are today to the end result while minimizing disruptions to ongoing operations. If we are changing the layout in the warehouse, AutoCAD drawings will be prepared for the installers showing each phase, what gets done, and how things should look when completed. We completed a project recently in a warehouse that was completely out of space and it required the removal of almost every pallet rack in the facility, changing aisle widths, introducing new racking technologies, all while continuing to pick orders every day. The client said it “couldn’t be done”. However, using 48 AutoCAD drawings showing step by step implementation, the project was a raging success creating over 900 new pallet positions, eliminating product damage, introducing a new narrow aisle pick module, and greatly enhancing productivity. The Implementation Plan is key.
Step VI – Execute
Many clients do not have the time, personnel or experience to manage complex projects while concentrating on continuing operations and hire GAWICH to provide Project Management services. If so, we take on the daily responsibility of coordinating the different trades to ensure all work progresses in a timely fashion with inspections to ensure all work is performed in an excellent and professional manner. We also work to reduce any conflicts and interference with ongoing operations and keep a keen eye on safety. We provide weekly updates of the status of the project and any issues that may arise which could impact the schedule or costs. And finally, at the end, we ensure that your personnel are provided any requested/required training on operating the new equipment or the new processes and how their tasks may change. At the end of this phase, we expect to have a delighted client with an improved operation and excited employees.
Step VII – Final Review
This is an optional phase of work. We like to allow the new plan run for a few weeks and then analyze how the changes are working. This gives us the opportunity to ensure everything is working well and the employees are adjusting to the new processes. Finally it gives us an opportunity to see if there are some simple adjustments/changes/additions that could enhance the total ROI and provide a more enjoyable workplace.
So now you know our “process”. How about sharing yours with us and allowing GAWICH Warehouse Consulting to help you achieve better results.
