An Operational Assessment That Aligns Concept-to-Consumer Processes & Technologies
What It Is
Focused, Targeted and Objective
The short definition is that a Mainsail Operational Assessment helps ensure that your business is on course to becoming more competitive in the marketplace. Sometimes as executives we get caught up in the daily grind of the business and lose touch with the bigger picture or overall health of the organization. The landscape is changing every day and our customers are demanding more. We may feel that change is necessary to remain competitive but we’re not sure where to start or what to do. That’s where a Mainsail Assessment comes in.
“For retailers looking to gain a competitive edge by improving operational efficiency and increasing profit margins, I would highly recommend their approach and the consulting firm behind it.”
Chief Operating Officer, Large Retailer
All businesses can benefit from this operational assessment. The goal is to create an objective viewpoint of the processes and technologies supporting your business. This serves as input to a prioritized set of initiatives that will help chart the future course of your business. While it’s important to involve key internal resources we suggest that you don’t use them to lead the assessment. It can be difficult for them to remain objective and not be affected by bias or emotion. This objective and analytical approach enables intentional and deliberate re-alignment within your organization.
Why It’s Needed
- Your current processes and technologies are no longer supporting your evolving business
- Is it difficult to determine which operational improvements and technology replacements give you the best return?
- Are your customers requiring product visibility and inventory transparency that you’re not able to provide?
- You know you can improve but not sure where to start
What You Can Expect
Activities, Deliverables and Timeframes
- Independent analysis of key performance indicators and core business processes:
- Merchandising and inventory management
- Planning, allocation, replenishment and forecasting
- Product development and sourcing
- Logistics and distribution
- Strength-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats (SWOT) assessment of each functional area
- IT Support Assessment of each functional area
- Clear identification of major initiatives and their relative impact on business:
- Estimated business benefit
- Duration and complexity of implementation
- Foundational or strategic
- Major initiative roadmap with estimated costs and benefits
- Estimated duration: 2 to 3 weeks