Implemantation

During the implementation phase the assigned consultant works closely with your company representative to define, develop and implement operational systems and controls. The prescribed systems and controls are based on our preliminary findings and feedback from your management staff. It is during this phase that the consultant creates new and/or modifies existing company policies, procedures and performance expectations required to improve current business operations.

A subset of tasks involved during the implementation phase are:

Define the systems and controls that will have the highest impact on improving business operations. It is at this phase of implementation that your assigned business analyst will explore in detail your current business systems, their strengths, weaknesses and opportunities to improve them. As with any business systems we will analyze workflow process, productivity, output, quality of work and safety. In doing so, we will define what course action to take based on the preliminary analysis and input from both the consultant and management staff.

Develop the actual system and operational controls as agreed upon by the consultant and you the client. Making changes to the actual system and operational controls is a coordinated effort between the consultant and the assigned company representative. Careful steps are taken to insure changes are phased in correctly.

Any system or operational changes that are properly implemented will have a positive impact on operations. As changes are implemented, it is important to objectively measure the cause and effect these actions have on the business operation. Some of these changes can be made by creating or amending existing policies, procedures and performance expectations. Controls are in place to ensure that the consultant phases in changes and accurate means of measurement are implemented before a change is tested.

Create and/or modify existing policies, procedures and performance expectations. In virtually any business operation it is critical that your company have documented polices, procedures and performance expectations for all employees. All to often, our consultants see numerous problems which stem from a lack of documented and well defined policies, procedures and performance expectations.

When any of these forms of documentation are missing or fragmented, this will have a direct impact on defining standards of operation. Additionally, their absence provides opportunity for error and inconsistencies within the operation. The consultant works closely with the assigned company representative to ensure this documentation is defined, prioritized and implemented into key areas of the operation. We also work closely with the assigned representative, teaching them how to learn the documentation process and what is required for effective implementation and future modifications.

Implement and train employees on the new policies, procedures and performance expectations. Once the creation of the aforementioned documentation is complete, moving forward with the actual implementation and training is essential for testing the effectiveness of these changes. During phase in, the consultant will communicate to both management and non-management employees the purpose of these changes, why they are being implemented and the positive effects of compliance with them will have on business operations.

As these changes are phased in, an integral part of implementation is training. Effective training offers both managers and non-management employees a chance to experience how these new policies, procedures and processes directly impact their ability to perform tasks.

Throughout the implementation phase it is important that all parties (the consultant, management and employees) understand why the changes are implemented and how these changes will impact business operations. Proactive communication of system and control changes not only benefits everyone; it aides all parties by providing them with the opportunity to communicate feedback on what additional changes are required and how these changes will impact other areas of the business operation.

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